NUH one of 50 hospital hubs in Covid Vaccination Programme
NUH has today been chosen to take part in the national vaccination programme for patients and key workers against Covid-19.
The NHS today confirmed that 50 hospital hubs, of which Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust is one, have been selected as part of the first wave of the vaccination programme, with more hospitals due to start vaccinating over the coming weeks.
NUH Medical Director, Dr Keith Girling said: "I am pleased to confirm that NUH has been selected as a 'hospital hub' for the Covid-19 vaccination programme.
"We are working with our regional partners to ensure we can vaccinate those with most need as outlined by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).
Our staff have been working closely with colleagues across Nottinghamshire and nationally to prepare for the launch of the programme with the first vaccinations happening early this week. 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.
As well as people aged over 80, healthcare workers will also be receiving the jab from this week as they are at highest risk of serious illness from Covid. All those vaccinated will need a booster jab 28 days later.
Patients aged 80 and above who are already attending hospital as an outpatient, and those who are being discharged home after a hospital stay, will be among the first to receive the life-saving jab.
A wider vaccination programme will follow, to be delivered from vaccination centres treating large numbers of patients in sporting venues and conference centres, when further supplies of the vaccine become available.
Professor Stephen Powis, NHS national medical director, said: “Despite the huge complexities, hospitals will kickstart the first phase of the largest scale vaccination campaign in our country’s history from Tuesday. The first tranche of vaccine deliveries will be landing at hospitals by Monday in readiness.
“The NHS has a strong record of delivering large scale vaccination programmes – from the flu jab, HPV vaccine and lifesaving MMR jabs – hardworking staff will once again rise to the challenge to protect the most vulnerable people from this awful disease.”
Dr Keith Girling added: "I would like to remind people that they should not come to the hospital for a vaccine, and that we will contact people to arrange an appointment when they need to attend.
"Vaccination is only one step in the fight against Covid-19 and we all still need to remain vigilant and follow the local Covid alert level restrictions."
More information on the Covid Vaccination Programme can be found here.