First Covid vaccinations will take place at GPs in Market Harborough tomorrow (Friday)

The new Covid vaccine will be arriving at GPs in Market Harborough tomorrow (Friday December 18).

Following the success of the first vaccination clinics opening in two groups of GP practices in Earl Shilton and Leicester city earlier this week, health leaders in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR) have announced that Pfizer Covid-19 vaccination will be rolled out at four more groups covering 16 practices within days.

Practices in the second wave are part of the following primary care networks: Market Harborough and Husbands Bosworth have been named in the 'second wave' of vaccinations, starting tomorrow (Friday).

Vaccinations will be administered by groups of GP practices, known as primary care networks. One practice will generally provide vaccines on behalf of all practices in the group.

Nurses, paramedics, pharmacists and other NHS staff will work alongside GPs to vaccinate those aged 80 and over, as well as care home workers and residents, identified as priority groups for the life-saving vaccine.

Caroline Trevithick, executive director of nursing, quality and performance for the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland clinical commissioning groups, said: “I am delighted that so many more patients will be able to begin receiving their vaccines within just a few days of the first wave beginning.

"This is testament to the hard work of the practice staff and I would like to thank them for everything they are doing to keep our patients safe. Feedback from patients who have been attending to have their vaccines so far has been extremely positive.”

The vaccine is typically delivered by a simple injection in the upper arm. Two doses of the vaccine are required, three weeks apart, to achieve protection against coronavirus. In advance of receiving their vaccine, patients can read more information in the leaflets available on the www.gov.uk website.

Caroline added: “You will be contacted by your GP practice to book your vaccination when your turn comes and you will be advised where you need to go. Please do not contact your practice enquiring about the vaccine before then. It is also important to make sure you attend for both doses of the vaccine”

The clinical commissioning groups are also urging everyone to continue to remain vigilant and follow local Covid alert level restrictions and social distancing guidance while the vaccine is rolled out to all population groups.

Dr Hamant Mistry, senior partner at Market Harborough Medical Centre, said: We are delighted that the Market Harborough and Bosworth Primary Care Network is part of the second wave of the COVID vaccination programme, covering patients registered with Market Harborough Medical Centre and Husbands Bosworth Medical Centre.

"Our first clinics will be held on Friday and Saturday (Dec 18-19) at the Market Harborough Medical Centre.

"A wonderful effort has been made by our entire practice team, clinicians and non-clinicians, to put in place the process to make this happen in such a short space of time.”

For the full list of GP practices and primary care networks currently offering vaccines to patients, visit https://www.leicestercityccg.nhs.uk/my-health/coronavirus-advice/coronavirus-vaccine/For further information about Covid vaccinations visit: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/coronavirus-vaccine/