Coronavirus vaccinations to begin at Norfolk hospitals on Wednesday
Two hospitals in Norfolk will begin vaccinations on Wednesday
The Norfolk and Waveney Clinical Commissioning Group has confirmed that invites have begun to go out to care home workers and residents over 80 years-old for the Pfizer-BionTech jab.
Vaccinations will begin at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital and James Paget Hospital on Wednesday 9th December and will be by appointment only.
The two hospitals are the first in Norfolk and Waveney to receive the vaccine - they are among 50 hubs in the country beginning vaccinations this week.
Margaret Keenan, a 90 year-old grandmother, was the first person in the world to receive the vaccine, at 6.31am on Tuesday 8th December.
Dr Anoop Dhesi, who's Chair of the Norfolk and Waveney CCG, said: "Initial supplies of the vaccine are limited and being given to those most at risk from Covid-19 including a small number for at risk frontline NHS staff.
"People over the age of 80 will be contacted by their GP practice. All people due to be vaccinated will be asked to fill in a health screening questionnaire and consent form.
"Vaccinating all adults will be a marathon not a sprint. The first community vaccination sites will begin operating later in the month.
"The Covid-19 vaccination programme has been planned extensively by the NHS so it can be rolled out as quickly and safely as possible.
"This programme of vaccination is the largest in the history of the NHS.
"Over the coming months people will be invited when it’s their turn to be vaccinated. Do not ask your GP or hospital, please wait for your invite.
"In the meantime, the best thing we can all do to protect ourselves, our families and our communities is to wash hands, cover face, and make space."
The Chief Executive of the James Paget Hospital, Anna Hills, said: "I am extremely proud that the James Paget has been confirmed as one of the hospital hubs which will be leading the way in safely vaccinating people against COVID-19.
“Our staff stand ready to start providing the vaccine to those that need it most in our local community, playing a key role as this historic vaccination programme gets underway across the country.”