Doctors in Milton Keynes urge priority groups to get Covid jab before supplies dry up

NHS national medical director Professor Stephen Powis called on anyone who qualifies for a jab but has not yet received one, to book an appointment in the next few days before slots dry up.

More than 3.5 million doses were delivered nationally in the seven days to Sunday. The latest figures from Milton Keynes show over 120,000 vaccines protecting against the Coronavirus have been administered.

Four in five people in the first nine priority groups have now received at least one dose since the NHS vaccination programme begun. This represents everyone aged above 50, plus care home staff, frontline health and social care workers, clinically extremely vulnerable people and other at risk groups.

With over 50s being invited to receive first doses, currently 63.2% of 50-54 year-olds have been jabbed in Milton Keynes according to the NHS's most recent data.

Dr Kufeji said: “It is a testament to the careful planning and sheer hard work of staff that the NHS vaccination programme is continuing to protect people against coronavirus at a record pace.

“The vaccination is quick, painless and safe and it feels great knowing you’ve got protection against Covid-19 so if you are eligible do not delay, book a jab.”

Far fewer appointments will be available for first doses from next week as the bulk of available supplies are used to fully vaccinate people with a second jab.

Of all the vaccinations administered in Milton Keynes, 12,241 jabs given have been second doses.

People with a learning disability or living with an underlying health condition like serious asthma, who are yet to get their jab are being urged to book before March 29, with some GPs calling each of their unvaccinated patients personally to encourage uptake.

The NHS is inviting those eligible for a jab by letter and text with GPs also calling some patients.

Text invitations appear as an alert from ‘NHSvaccine’ and letters include a web link to click and reserve an appointment at one of the large-scale vaccination centres or pharmacies across Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes.

Anybody aged 50 or over can book themselves in for a first dose before March 29th online using the national booking system, either by calling 119 or booking online here.

GPs will continue contacting eligible patients and vaccinating them throughout April with a first dose.