Ipswich MP confident Covid-19 vaccine programme will bounce back from Storm Darcy
Both of Suffolk's large vaccination centres have been closed due to heavy snow
The MP for Ipswich, Tom Hunt, is confident Suffolk's priority groups will have received their first dose of the coronavirus vaccine by the middle of February.
Due to heavy snow the large vaccination centres at Gainsborough Sports Centre in Ipswich and in Chevington Close, Bury St Edmunds, have been closed this week.
It's meant many people have missed out on their appointments but the Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT), which runs the large centres, says more slots will be made available to allow bookings to be made "as soon as possible".
Both sites in Suffolk are expected to reopen tomorrow (10 February).
Despite the closures, Tom Hunt is expecting progress to be made quickly, as has been proved recently.
He said: "After quite a slow start compared to other parts of the country, I think there's been quite a turnaround in Suffolk and North East Essex. We've made great strides in terms of getting the most vulnerable groups vaccinated, so my first comment would be to thank all of those involved in that.
"The vaccine is the light at the end of the tunnel and when you thought you had that date in the diary, for it then to be cancelled, I can understand your anxiety. All I would say is be patient, the great teams involved in this vaccination process will get to you."
EPUT is encouraging people who do have bookings for the rest of the week not to take unnecessary risks, and re-book if they would prefer not to travel during poor weather.
Those who will still be attending are asked to plan their journey carefully and wear warm clothing.
Bookings can be cancelled or remade on the NHS national booking website or by calling 119.