Changes to several local COVID-19 vaccination sites in Buckinghamshire

While the COVID-19 vaccination roll-out continues at a fast pace across Buckinghamshire, with all patients aged 18 and over now eligible for their first jab, some changes are coming to several local vaccination sites.
Some GP-led local vaccination sites are stepping back from delivering vaccines in order to focus on their day-to-day work in general practice. These are sites that contact patients directly to arrange vaccination appointments.
Meanwhile, the Large-Scale vaccination site at Stoke Mandeville Stadium (The Guttman Centre) and numerous pharmacy-led vaccination sites will continue to operate as normal across Buckinghamshire. These sites are booked via the national online booking system or by calling 119.
Since the start of the vaccination rollout, the GP-led local sites have focused on ensuring the most vulnerable groups of patients in Buckinghamshire – in particular the elderly and clinically vulnerable – have been fully vaccinated. Originally, it was planned that these sites would continue to operate until people aged 50 and over had been vaccinated. In fact, most sites have already continued beyond these age groups and have offered vaccines to younger patients too.
GP-led vaccination sites have now concluded their work in Winslow and Buckingham; the sites in Chesham, Princes Risborough and Stoke Mandeville Stadium will also be standing down this month (although vaccinations will continue take place at Stoke Mandeville Stadium [Guttman Centre] via the national booking system). Continuing to offer vaccines for the time being are the GP-led sites in Burnham, Chalfont St Peter (Chalfont Hospital Site), High Wycombe (Adams Park) and High Wycombe town centre.
Dr Raj Bajwa, GP and Clinical Chair for NHS Buckinghamshire Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “The GPs, practice staff and huge numbers of volunteers who have worked at these local vaccination sites have done a phenomenal job. They have made an immense difference to the lives of countless residents across Buckinghamshire and have been vital to making the vaccination rollout the success it is. The CCG would like to thank everyone involved in these sites – it has been an honour to be a part of the rollout alongside so many dedicated colleagues and volunteers.
“I would also like to reassure everyone in Buckinghamshire that the vaccination programme is not slowing down in any way. There are still plenty of sites offering vaccine doses across the county. Please use the national booking system to arrange your jab as soon as you are eligible to do so.”
Anyone aged 18 and over (or who will be 18 by 1 July) is now able to book a vaccination through the online system at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/ or by calling 119.