Plymouth pharmacies to start offering COVID-19 vaccinations
The first service is opening in Devonport as part of a national rollout
Pharmacies are starting to offer Covid-19 vaccinations as part of a national rollout.
Councillors heard the first service in Plymouth would open in Devonport this week.
Devon NHS has been working with Public Health England to add pharmacies to the network of vaccinations centres.
The city council’s health committee heard there were also “roving” GP-led teams giving the jab to care home residents and the vulnerable housebound who were unable to reach a centre.
"We're well on track to meet the target of vaccinating the first four priority groups by mid-February. We are delivering every vaccine that comes into the city as quickly as possible, and really from the time it has arrived it has usually been delivered within 72 hours if not sooner."
Darryn Allcorn - Chief Nurse for Devon NHS
He said there were challenges to vaccinate the population of Devon, but the goal was to meet the target of offering a vaccine to the priority groups – the over-70s, the clinically extremely vulnerable and health and social care staff – by Monday, February 15.
Committee member Tina Tuohy reported that she had received her Covid-19 vaccination at Home Park on Tuesday:
"I must say it was a really good experience. It was so well run and so effective. I think I was in and out in about ten minutes. Everybody was just so helpful and friendly. I just want to congratulate everybody. Plymouth should be proud of you."
Mr Allcorn said 400 volunteers had come forward in Plymouth to help with the vaccination programme, with 1,800 across Devon.
He said the response had been overwhelming and he apologised to those who had not yet been contacted due to the large number coming forward, but he said volunteers would continue to be recruited as the programme was expected to continue for “many months” to vaccinate everyone aged over 18.
People have been told to wait to be contacted by their GP surgery to arrange an appointment, which are being offered according to the national list of priority groups.