Not too late for over-70s to get a vaccination in Devon

There is still time for people in Devon aged over 70, and those who are clinically extremely vulnerable, to book a coronavirus vaccination in coming days.

The NHS in Devon is on target to have vaccinated all the eligible people in priority groups 1-4 who wanted to take up a vaccine, by Sunday (February 14), in line with the Government’s ambition.

The latest data published by the NHS show that as of 7 February, more than 271,000 people had received a first dose across the county, with approximately 98% of people aged 75-79, and 95% of over-80s, having received a vaccination.*

An average of about 12,000 vaccinations are currently being given every day in Devon.

Dr Alex Degan, the lead GP for the vaccination programme in Devon, and medical director for primary care in the county, said: “GPs and their teams, local authorities and volunteers have worked tirelessly together to vaccinate people in the top four priority groups in recent weeks

“Thanks to their magnificent and selfless efforts in protecting vulnerable people, hundreds of thousands of people now rest safer from the threat of COVID-19 and we are on track to meet the Government’s ambition for priority groups.

“It is a remarkable achievement and I pay tribute to everyone who is involved in this lifesaving programme.”

And for eligible people in Devon from priority groups 1-4 – the over-70s and anyone classed as clinically extremely vulnerable – it is still possible to book an appointment in coming days if they haven’t already got one. Here’s how:

• Use the national booking service (anytime) or call 119 (free, 7am-11pm, seven days a week). 

The national booking service allows people to choose a time slot and location that suits them. Appointments are currently available and you don’t need to have received a letter to use the service, as long as you are in an eligible group. The service offers appointments at large vaccination centres or the selected community pharmacies that are offering the jab:

• Westpoint Exeter – large vaccination centre
• Home Park, Plymouth – large vaccination centre
• Plymouth Cricket Ground, Devonport, run by Devonport Pharmacy
• Lewis Pharmacy, Exeter Road, Exmouth
• Westward Ho! Baptist Church, run by Arnolds Pharmacy, Westward Ho!
• For some people, attending the large vaccination sites at Taunton Racecourse in Somerset and the Royal Cornwall Showground, Wadebridge, may be more convenient, and slots can be booked at these locations via the national booking service.
• From today (12 February) until Sunday (14 February), people in JCVI groups 1-4 who haven’t had the vaccine, can call a temporary phone number hosted by NHS Devon Clinical Commissioning Group on behalf of local vaccination services:
• The number is for people in JCVI groups 1-4 only – over-70s and people who have been classed as clinically extremely vulnerable (which means they are on the shielding list)
• You must live in Devon (although you do not have to be registered with a GP)
• The number is 01626 204920. It will be open 9am-5pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 12-14 February ONLY. Calls are charged at your normal rates.
• If all lines are busy, leave a voice message and you will be called back
• Call-handlers will work with you and the local vaccination centres and do their best to arrange an appointment at a vaccination centre convenient for you within the next few days wherever possible.
• People can still choose to contact their practice directly if they wish, or wait for their GP to contact them.

Darryn Allcorn, Devon’s lead chief nurse, who is responsible for the vaccination programme, added: “The aim of our temporary phone number this weekend is to help the over-70s and other people in priority groups access a vaccination if they would like one.

“Most practices use an out-of-hours service over the weekend so it may not be possible to get through on Saturday and Sunday. And we know some people are changing their mind about getting a vaccination while others may not have been able to accept an invitation until now. There are appointments available across Devon so do get in touch if you’re eligible for a first dose.”

Vaccination appointments will still be available to people in groups 1-4 after the weekend.

More information on arrangements for the next groups in the JCVI priority list is expected on Monday, 15 February.