The COVID vaccination programme started in mid and south Essex on 8 December 2020.
Staff at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust (MSEFT) began vaccinating patients, supported by GPs, paramedics and registered nurses. Due to the storage and transportation requirements of the vaccine, Basildon and Thurrock University Hospital and Colchester Hospital were selected as the first vaccination centres.
In line with national guidance, people aged 80 and over as well as care home patients and staff were the first to receive the vaccination, along with NHS workers who are at higher risk.
In addition, five wave one primary care network sites will beginning vaccinating over the next few weeks. It is hoped to be able to offer all health and care staff in mid and South Essex the vaccination as soon as possible.
The independent Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) regularly reviews the latest information and updates its advice on the order in which groups will receive the vaccination.
Members of the public are encouraged to support the vaccination programme by:
- waiting to be contacted about when it’s the right time to come forward and not to seek a vaccine before then
- acting on their invite and making sure to attend appointments when arranged
- continuing to abide by all the social distancing and hand hygiene guidance, which will still save lives.
Further information and guidance.