COVID vaccination options for Aylesbury Vale and Bucks increase as residents aged 70+ are invited to book their jab

As well as the nine GP-led vaccination sites spread across the county, a large-scale vaccination centre this week opened at Buckinghamshire New University’s Aylesbury campus.

This joins other nearby large-scale centres outside the county (in Oxford and Slough), and five pharmacy-led vaccination sites in Buckinghamshire- at Aylesbury’s Odeon cinema, Marlow, High Wycombe, Buckingham and Chesham.

The vaccination programme in Buckinghamshire has made great progress, working through the top priority patient groups, including patients aged 70 and over, the clinically extremely vulnerable and care home residents and staff.

Now, to ensure no one is left behind, and patients aged 70 and over, who have not yet booked a vaccination appointment, are invited to contact the NHS to arrange their COVID vaccination as soon as possible. The easiest way to do this is to use the online National Booking System at www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination, which lets patients choose a time and location that suits them, or they can call 119 for free, between 7am and 11pm every day.

If a suitable slot is still not available, people can also call their GP practice to arrange a vaccination.

All patients below the age of 70 are still being asked to wait for the NHS to get in touch to arrange an appointment when the time is right. This is in line with the national Joint Committee of Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) prioritisation programme.

They will be informed by letter when they are able to book an appointment at a large-scale or pharmacy-led centre. Patients can also, if they prefer, choose to wait for their GP practice to invite them for an appointment at one of Buckinghamshire’s GP-led vaccination sites.

Dr Raj Bajwa, Chair of NHS Chiltern Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “It is extremely welcome news that we have more vaccination capacity in Buckinghamshire, both at the new Aylesbury large-scale site and at the five pharmacy-led sites. The vaccination programme has gathered tremendous speed in recent weeks and it is great to see the available options growing for eligible patients in Bucks.

“We would now ask any remaining patients aged 70 and over to please book a vaccination appointment if they have not already done so. The easiest way to do this is via the national booking system at www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination, or by calling 119. If they cannot get a suitable appointment in these ways, they can contact their GP surgery.

“Our GP-led sites continue to do tremendous work in making sure the prioritised groups of patients get their vaccines and we thank everyone for their patience and support as we continue to focus on our most vulnerable residents. Please do continue to observe the safety guidance to protect yourself and your loved ones as the vaccine rollout continues.”