People in Tameside can get the coronavirus vaccine from Wednesday
The first batch of Pfizer/Biontech jabs in the borough will be given at Hyde Leisure Centre.
The first vaccine hub in Tameside is ready to begin vaccinating residents against coronavirus this week.
The first batch of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine arrives in the borough today, with vaccinations starting at the Hyde NHS Covid-19 Vaccination Service at Hyde Leisure Centre on Wednesday 15th December.
The first to be invited are over-80s who are registered with a Hyde GP practice with further invitations going out as soon as possible as the programme rapidly evolves.
Residents will receive an invitation to come forward for the vaccine at the right time. For most this will be a letter, either from your GP or the national NHS, and will include all the information you need to book an appointment, including your NHS number.
Residents are being asked not t contact the NHS or your GP to get an appointment until you receive this letter. All those vaccinated will also be booked in for a booster jab 21 days later.
The Hyde site is a drive-through model and it is advised where possible that those driving are not receiving the vaccination. However, if they do not have someone to drive them, they can park up and walk through to receive the vaccine and then wait in their car for 15 minutes afterwards.
NHS Tameside and Glossop CCG co-chairmen Dr Asad Ali and Dr Ashwin Ramachandra said: “Our staff have been working around the clock to prepare for the launch of the biggest immunisation programme in our country’s history. Through partnership working we have quickly established the first vaccine hub in Tameside ready to carry out life-saving vaccinations for the most vulnerable, while more hubs are being prepared to roll out vaccinations across Tameside and Glossop.”
Tameside Council Executive Leader, Cllr Brenda Warrington said: “It’s important that people take up these invitations as getting your vaccination is one of the most effective defences against Covid-19 and should protect you, your family and those you care for.
“I urge everybody to play their part in following the coronavirus regulations to suppress this virus and protect the NHS while this crucial work is carried out.”
People aged 80 and over as well as care home workers are the first to receive the jab, along with NHS workers who are at higher risk.
Hubs will be set up in PCNs for Ashton, Glossop (covering Gamesley), Denton (covering Droylsden and Audenshaw), and Stalybridge (covering Dukinfield and Mossley).
Those receiving the vaccine may not be protected until at least seven days after their second dose. People who are suffering from a fever-type illness or covid symptoms should postpone having the vaccine until they have recovered. You still need the vaccine if you have already had covid-19 as this doesn’t mean you cannot get it again.
You can find out more about the vaccine on the NHS website.