The Leader of Rushcliffe Borough Council has welcomed the news Rushcliffe’s first COVID-19 vaccination service in is now live in Gamston.
Cllr Simon Robinson said the authority has been working with colleagues across the local health and care system to prepare for the opening of the first site at Gamston Community Hall located off Ambleside, close to the A52.
The site, which is adjacent to Morrison’s, opened on January 6.
It will support the roll out of the national vaccination programme. In the coming weeks, other locations across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire will also open for vaccinations.
Recipients of the vaccine will be called forward in priority order as set out by the Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).
The NHS are continuing to send letters to eligible people and vaccines will be by appointment only. First priority is for those over the age of 80 and frontline health and social care workers.
83-year-old Great Grandmother Wendy Wain was among the first to receive the jab.
The former occupational therapist from West Bridgford said: “I am delighted to be receiving the vaccine if only for my two children, eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren who worry so much about me.
“I haven’t seen them all for such a long time and I hope this is the start of the road to being able to see them again safely.”
Cllr Robinson said: “This is a wonderful moment for Rushcliffe as we welcome the first vaccination site in the Borough, which will play a vital role in the biggest immunisation programme in NHS history.
“Although the rollout of the vaccine is exciting and we hope it will prove to be a pivotal moment in the fight against COVID-19, I ask people to be patient and wait until they are contacted to be vaccinated.
“The NHS will contact you when it’s your turn so please don’t turn up at this or any vaccination centre and don’t ring your GP or local hospital.
“I’d encourage everyone who receives a letter inviting them to have the vaccine, to get it. This will protect them from COVID-19 and hopefully help us all return to a more normal way of life as quickly as possible.
“I’m very proud of everyone who has worked hard to get to this stage. We will continue working with our partners to support the rollout in any way we can.”
It’s important that all residents continue to follow the national lockdown guidance and remember to wash our hands, wear a face mask and socially distance.
Dr Nicole Atkinson, GP and Clinical Lead for South Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Partnership said: “The local vaccination service opening in Gamston today marks another significant moment in the roll out of the Covid-19 vaccination programme across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. I’d like to give a huge thank you to everyone who has been working tirelessly on the vaccination programme.
“The public also have an important role to play to help us with the programme. In order to prioritise vaccination for those most at risk first, we’re asking the public to be patient and wait until they have received a letter from the NHS. Once you do receive a letter, please make your appointment as quickly as possible. Please also remember to follow the guidance in place to help control the spread of the virus and save lives.”