You will probably be very keen to get your COVID-19 vaccination as soon as possible and will want to know when and where you can get your jab.
The NHS is working extremely hard to get the vaccine to everyone who is eligible as quickly as possible. We have been making very good progress in the short period of time since the vaccination became available. However, we all need to recognise this is the largest vaccination programme ever undertaken by the NHS and it will take time to get to everyone.
When will I get my jab?
The order in which people will be offered the vaccine is based on advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).
During January, the NHS will continue to vaccinate people in the first two priority groups. This includes:
- Residents and staff in care homes for older adults
- All those aged 80 years and over
- Health and social care workers
After this, vaccination will continue to roll our to other priority groups in order of age and risk.
The NHS will let you know when it’s your turn to have the vaccine. It’s important not to contact the NHS for a vaccination before then.
Where will I get my jab?
There are a number of ways in which the vaccination is being rolled out to our communities:
- GP-led vaccination services – currently vaccinating people aged over 80. These services involve groups of GP practices working together to provide the vaccination to their collective patients at one location. This means that you may not receive the vaccination at your local GP; you may be invited to a different location nearby.
- Hospital hubs – larger hospitals across the country have been offering the vaccine to people over 80 attending for a planned appointment. Now that more local vaccination services are up and running, hospital hubs are focused on vaccinating health and care staff.
- Roving service – the vaccine is being taken into care homes and into people’s own homes if they cannot attend a vaccination site. This is being stepped up over the coming weeks as more supplies of the vaccines become available.
- Large vaccination centres – each county will have one large vaccination centre which will be able to give the vaccine to large numbers of people as more supplies become available. The Brighton Centre is expected to be established as the vaccination centre for Sussex from the end of January.
If you are concerned about how you will travel to get your vaccine during lockdown, it should be noted that, under the national guidance, it is permissible to receive a lift in terms of transport for medical appointments.