Buckinghamshire's COVID vaccination rollout goes live in Princes Risborough and Winslow

These follow the first vaccination sites that went live in the county over December, in Chalfont St Peter, Princes Risborough and Winslow.

As well as people aged 80 and over, care home staff are also being prioritised in this first phase of the national vaccination rollout. This is in line with the national Joint Committee of Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) prioritisation programme.

All patients who are eligible to have the vaccine at this stage will be contacted by the NHS first. Patients are being asked not to contact their GP practice to try to arrange an appointment.

Dr Raj Bajwa, Clinical Chair of NHS Buckinghamshire Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “It is hugely exciting to see the vaccination programme continue to roll out in Buckinghamshire and to give some of our most vulnerable patients the best start we can to 2021.

“But while the vaccinations are a great cause for optimism, we also all know that coronavirus continues to spread at a worrying rate and that difficult times still lie ahead.

"We would ask that people please continue to be patient. This vaccination programme is very complex, and our GP practice staff are working incredibly hard to ensure that our most vulnerable patients are protected as soon as possible.

"Please do not contact your GP surgery yourself, but instead wait for the NHS to contact you."

“Other age groups and vulnerable patients will be offered the vaccination over the coming weeks and months, in line with the national priorities of this phased rollout. In the meantime, please follow all the safety guidance to protect yourself, your loved ones and your NHS services.”