GPs at forefront of local booster jab effort
GPs across Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin are stepping up to the plate as the NHS mobilises a plan to deliver 18 million covid booster jabs by New Year’s Eve.
The astonishing target has been set in a bid to ensure as many people as possible are protected against the worst effects of the Omicron variant, which is sweeping across the country.
Clinical evidence has shown that people who are unvaccinated and those who have had one or two doses are not well protected against Omicron, which is more transmissible than previous variants in common circulation. The addition of the booster dose does mean that the majority of people have immunity against becoming symptomatic if exposed to the virus.
In Shropshire and the borough of Telford & Wrekin alone, capacity is being trebled this week, with a view to 160,000 doses being administered by the end of the year. Pharmacies, hospital hubs and vaccination sites are playing a big part in this effort – but the success of the campaign within the local health and care system will depend upon GPs and their clinical colleagues in primary care, who will deliver more than a third of the jabs themselves.
Dr John Pepper, a Shrewsbury-based GP who is also Chair of NHS Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “There is a real ‘can-do’ attitude among primary care colleagues across Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, who are all keen to rise to this challenge.
“We were at the forefront of the vaccination effort in 2020, but capacity had been scaled back as we also turned our attention to restoring overall primary care services above that of pre-pandemic levels.
“GPs have worked relentlessly over the past couple of years, but there is a clear need to scale up the booster programme at pace and my colleagues are ready to play their part.”
The added focus on the booster vaccination programme does mean that some routine activities carried out within GP practices will have to be paused in order to free up the capacity needed to run the added covid sessions. Dr Pepper admits that is something that all GPs are struggling with, and is calling on the public to show understanding.
“Our patients are always our No 1 priority,” he added. “Cancelling routine appointments is something that does not sit easily with us, but we have little choice if we are to meet this challenging vaccine target.
“I hope and expect that this disruption to service will only be for a few short weeks.
“And I must stress that GP practices remain open for business. If you are calling for an urgent issue, we can and will still support you. Don’t forget, other health services are available for you to use, including self-care, your local pharmacist or 111 online or via the phone.
“If you are waiting for a covid booster then you can also help your GP practice by waiting to be contacted rather than calling us. Please be assured that your practice will be in touch when it is your turn.”
Ludlow drop-in vaccination clinics to help shop workers
Caron Morton GP at Station Drive Surgery in Ludlow says that some shop workers, who are working flat out in the build up to Christmas, are finding it difficult to get to vaccination clinics.
To help retail workers, Dr Morton says: “We are running drop-in clinics in Ludlow next Tuesday, 21 December and the following Wednesday 29 December. These will be open from 5pm to 8pm at Station Drive Surgery and there is no need to book. The sessions are timed to allow workers to come after work. But I would advise people to come early and be prepared for a short wait outside.
“These drop in sessions are not just for booster doses. First or second jabs can be given where needed. We aim to deliver 500 doses across the two sessions.
“We will be administering the Pfizer vaccine. Until now, patients have had to wait for 15 minutes after being vaccinated with Pfizer. Side effects are extremely rare and now patients can leave as soon as they are ready without waiting 15 minutes. That will help us vaccinate as many people as possible. But we would advise patients not to drive for 15 minutes after being vaccinated.
“Please remember that masks are compulsory in medial settings except for those who are exempt.”
Other Ludlow vaccination clinics need to be pre-booked. People should wait to be contacted by their GP practice with an offer of an appointment. They are urged not to ring their surgery to find out about appointments.
GPs in the south west of Shropshire are confident that they will meet the target of giving all adults a booster jab before the end of the year.
