TAMESIDE and Glossop residents are returning for their second dose of the Covid vaccine to get the highest protection from coronavirus.
Second doses are now being given to care home residents and staff, and those who have had their first jab in local GP led clinics will start to receive invitations and reminders to attend when it is their turn.
This will include all the information needed to book an appointment – please do not contact the NHS or your GP to get an appointment until you receive the invitation.
Residents may have experienced side effects from the first dose and be hesitant to return, but it is important that everyone receives a second dose so that they have the highest possible protection from becoming seriously ill or dying from Covid. Please be reassured that most side effects are mild and will not last long and can be treated with painkillers, such as paracetamol, if needed.
Every care home resident and staff members, the over 70s and defined clinically extremely vulnerable individuals have all been offered the vaccine. Vaccinations are continuing with priority groups one to six that include the over 65s and adults aged 18-65 (prioritising those over 50) in an at-risk group and carers.
Residents eligible in priority groups seven and eight – the over 60s and over 55s – are now being invited to the Greater Manchester mass vaccination site at the Etihad.
All local GP sites will be offering appointments to residents in these groups in the next few weeks. If you can travel easily, then do please attend the Etihad but do not worry if you cannot – you will receive an invitation from your GP surgery soon. Residents can use the national booking system at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus-vaccination or call 119 to book.
The rapid rollout of the Covid vaccine across Tameside and Glossop has seen more than 80,000 residents vaccinated with a first dose. A second dose is given 12 weeks later to maintain a high level of protection while ensuring as many people are vaccinated as quickly as possible.
It is anticipated that by the end of April all of the first phase priority groups one to nine, which includes all over 50s, will have been vaccinated in Tameside and Glossop, dependent on vaccine delivery.
NHS Tameside and Glossop Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) co-chairmen Dr Asad Ali and Dr Ashwin Ramachandra said: “We’d urge everyone to attend for their vaccine when invited, and to have their second dose as it’s important that they receive the most protection available to stay as safe as possible.
“The NHS will get in touch so there is no need to call your GP practice about the first or second dose. We have seen a large spike in calls to GP practices, which makes it difficult to carry out and address day-to-day appointments and care needs, so it’s important to only call when absolutely necessary.”
Councillor Eleanor Wills, Tameside Council executive member for adult social care and population health, said: “I’m delighted that we’re now able to provide a second dose of the Covid vaccine, giving residents the highest protection from coronavirus, and starting with adult care home staff and residents, the most vulnerable in our community.
“Meanwhile our drive to offer the vaccine across Tameside and Glossop continues at pace with the over 65s and adults in an at-risk group and carers now being vaccinated in our PCN vaccine hubs and invitations being sent to the over 55s to the mass vaccination site at the Etihad.”
NHS Tameside and Glossop CCG worked quickly in partnership with GPs and Tameside Council to establish GP-led Primary Care Network (PCN) vaccine hubs, including a drive-through Hyde NHS Covid-19 vaccination service at Hyde Leisure Centre and hubs in PCNs for Ashton, Glossop (covering Gamesley), Denton (covering Droylsden and Audenshaw), and Stalybridge (covering Dukinfield and Mossley).
You can find out more about the vaccine at www.tameside.gov.uk/covidvaccine.