Priority cohorts still waiting for Covid vaccines urged to book appointments with NHS

Until this week, anyone aged 70 or over was asked to "be patient" by NHS bosses, as Covid vaccine appointments were sent to them.

Some Fylde coast residents voiced concerns last month that their elderly relatives had not yet been offered a vaccine, despite being told they would receive a letter from their GP.

But now the priority groups are being urged to book their own vaccine appointments if they have not yet had their jab, in a bid to ensure no one is missed.

Health secretary Matt Hancock told the public the Government was on track to vaccine priority groups one to four, and that the NHS had worked hard to contact everyone in these groups.

"Until now, we've said please wait for the NHS to contact you. But now that message is changing," Mr Hancock said.

"If you live in England and are 70 and over, and have not yet got an appointment to be vaccinated, then please contact the NHS."

Clinically extremely vulnerable patients - those who received a letter advising them to shield - are also being urged to make an appointment if they have not received their Covid jab.

Jane Scattergood, Covid-19 vaccination director for Lancashire and South Cumbria, said: "The NHS vaccination programme, the biggest in health service history, is off to a strong start with every eligible care home receiving a visit and millions more people being vaccinated at one of over 1,500 centres across the country thanks to the tireless efforts of my colleagues.

"But if you are aged 70 and over, and haven’t yet received your vaccine, please come forward and make an appointment as soon as you can.

"The vaccine is safe, simple, and will offer you and those around you crucial protection against this virus."

GPs are also expected to follow up with patients who are not yet vaccinated, and health and social care workers should speak to their employer about arranging their jab.

Vaccines can be booked by calling 119, arranging through a GP practice, or booking online through the NHS.