We can now confirm that a hospital vaccination hub at Leicester General Hospital will start vaccinating from Saturday, 12th December.
Andy Williams, chief executive for the three LLR CCGs said: “This is fantastic news as we know that many people throughout our communities will be pleased we can start delivering this ground-breaking programme.
“We anticipate that vaccinations will begin this weekend, subject to final details being confirmed, and be delivered from a hospital-hub at the Leicester General Hospital.
“As per the national guidelines, priority groups people aged 80 and over as well as care home workers will be first to receive the jab, along with NHS workers who are at higher risk. We have already begun inviting eligible people for the vaccine and all those vaccinated will need a booster jab 21 days later.”
“Given the extended restrictions Leicester and parts of Leicestershire have been under the vaccine is welcome news. The team here are getting ready to deliver the vaccinations, and looking forward to doing so.
“It’s important to appreciate it will take time to be rolled out across the local population and, in the meantime, it is essential that people do not become complacent and continue to follow any local restrictions as well as public health advice. It is, to borrow a phrase, a marathon not a sprint. And the NHS will contact you when we need you to come forward for your vaccination.”
“We would like to thank all those involved for their hard work in getting us to this point. It has required detailed planning, managing the complexities and logistical challenges of this new vaccine with its unique storage and transportation requirements. Staff across our system are ready for this historic moment.”
The Leicester General Hospital vaccination hub is the first of what will be a range of sites across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland as further supplies of the vaccine become available.
People do not need to take any action at this stage. The NHS will contact you if you are eligible for a vaccine and are being invited to attend an appointment.