Patients aged 50 and over now encouraged to contact the NHS to have their COVID-19 vaccine

The NHS in North Yorkshire is asking people aged 50 and over who have not yet been invited to have their COVID-19 vaccination to come forward and arrange a jab.

The NHS had previously asked people not to contact them about their COVID vaccination and wait until they are approached but is now encouraging the latest groups in the Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation priority cohorts 1 – 9 to make an appointment for their vaccination.

While those under 50 are still being asked to wait to hear from the NHS about their vaccination, local NHS services are now inviting people in the latest priority cohorts (50 and overs and those with underlying health conditions) to contact the NHS to book their appointment to ensure everyone in this group is offered the vaccine as soon as possible.

For those in cohorts 1 – 9 who didn’t initially come forward for their vaccination but have now changed their mind it is not too late and they are also encouraged to come forward to book an appointment as soon as possible.

Eligible people can book their appointment online through the national booking service at www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination. Those who cannot book online can call a free 119 telephone number, anytime between 7am and 11pm seven days a week. The national system allows patients to pick a convenient location and time.

It’s important to note that if someone receives a letter from the NHS to book with the national system, and they already have an appointment booked with their local GP practice, then please ignore the letter and keep the existing appointment.

NHS North Yorkshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) Accountable Officer, Amanda Bloor, said: “Healthcare colleagues across North Yorkshire and York and in the wider Humber, Coast and Vale area have been doing a fantastic job to vaccinate people over the last few months, but we want to ensure that all those who are eligible, have been offered the jab.

“We know that there has been a long wait for people aged 50 and over to get their vaccine and we want to encourage them to get in touch if they haven’t yet received a letter.

“I urge everyone to check with their parents, relatives, neighbours and friends who are 50 years old and over if they have been vaccinated. If they haven’t had the vaccine yet, please help them book an appointment as soon as possible.

“If you have previously turned down the opportunity to get the vaccine but have changed your mind, please also come forward now. We are determined that nobody should be left behind.

“The vaccine is safe, simple, and will offer you and those around you crucial protection against this virus.”