NHS Sheffield Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has announced that 15 covid community vaccination centres are now up and running in Sheffield.

In Sheffield, groups of GP practices are working together in their primary care networks (PCNs) to administer the vaccine to their local communities and care homes via 15 community vaccination centres. All but one of these centres are based at GP practices in the city with the remaining one being at a church.

Alun Windle, chief nurse and covid vaccination lead at NHS Sheffield CCG, said: “GP practices have been working hard over the last few weeks to deliver the vaccine to their patients and in care homes, at the same time as continuing to provide care to all those who need it. It’s a great achievement to vaccinate so many people thereby saving lives.

“We now have vaccination centres in all 15 primary care networks in the city meaning people can be vaccinated in their local area. All 15 centres are open as planned exactly one month after opening the first on 14 December.

“People are being vaccinated in order of priority as set out in JCVI (Joint committee on vaccination and immunisation) guidance. We’re currently vaccinating over 80s, care home residents, practice staff and care home workers.”

Vaccine invitations will be sent to those eligible when it’s their turn. The CCG is asking people not to contact their GP or hospital about the vaccines, or just turn up without an appointment. 

Dr Tim Mothersdale from Manor Park Medical Centre, one of the first community vaccination centres, said: “We have been working hard to vaccinate patients in practice and at our local care homes. It has been a whole team effort with staff from across all practices in our network pulling together to make this happen. I want to thank patients for coming for their vaccination when invited and would encourage others to take up the offer if invited.”

Freda France from Shiregreen was the first person to have a covid vaccination at a GP practice in Sheffield when she had the vaccination at the Health Care Surgery on Palgrave Road back in December. Freda said: “I'd say to anyone who is unsure about having the vaccination when they're offered it, just go for it. It's just like the flu jab - only a little prick! I'm glad I've had it."

Last week community vaccination centres received the Oxford Astra Zeneca vaccine. This vaccine can be more easily stored and moved and has allowed us to start vaccinating care home residents and patients who are housebound.  

To protect yourself and your family, friends and colleagues you still need to:  

• Practise social distancing 
• Wear a face mask  
• Wash your hands carefully and frequently  
• Follow the current guidance www.gov.uk/coronavirus