The first GP surgeries in Cornwall will begin vaccinating today (Tuesday, December 15) in the continued rollout in the battle against the Covid pandemic – the biggest vaccination programme in NHS history.

GPs and other primary care staff have been working around the clock to deliver this part of the roll-out.

The latest stage is being delivered by GP-led primary care networks (PCN), with more joining on a phased basis during December and in the coming months.

St Austell Healthcare, Truro and Three Harbours and Bosvena Health in north Cornwall are the first primary care network-led GP surgeries to run local vaccination services.

The Covid-19 vaccine is being rolled out nationally to people most at risk. People aged 80 and over as well as care home workers will be amongst the first to receive the vaccine.

It follows a care worker in Falmouth and her daughter, who works alongside her, becoming the first people in Cornwall to receive the jab last week, when hospital vaccinations began.

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The order in which people – including NHS staff - will be offered the vaccine is based on advice from the independent Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation at a national level.

When it is your turn to receive the vaccine, based on the priority groups set out by the JCVI advice, you will be contacted by the NHS. Patients are asked not contact their GP practice, local hospital, or other local NHS services.

GP Rob White, clinical lead for the Covid-19 vaccination programme and NHS Kernow Governing Body member, said: “I am delighted that today we see the first of our GP surgeries begin vaccinating people within the national priority groups.

“All of our primary care networks have been working together at speed with such determination and professionalism to make today happen.

“If you are invited for a Covid-19 vaccination appointment and are unable to attend please let the team know as soon as you can - this will enable someone else to use the appointment and get protected.

"Your appointment will be re-scheduled; you will not miss out on your opportunity.”

GP Andy May, primary care network clinical director for Truro, said: “It’s a very proud moment to be part of the national vaccination programme, helping our patients return to a sense of normality.

“While we do this we ask for Cornwall’s continued support. Over the next few days staff at the local vaccination centres based in Truro, St Austell and Bodmin will be committed to vaccinating the priority groups. This is a huge undertaking.

“We would ask that you please do not contact your GP surgery for routine appointments or check-ups if at all possible. Alternative ways you can seek medical advice and treatment include the NHS website, and your community pharmacy, who can offer expert information and provide medication for many conditions.

“We continue to be available for urgent appointments for such things as pneumonia, high fever and appendicitis. If your condition is life-threatening always call 999. For urgent but not life-threatening you can always contact 111, if your usual GP is not available.”

NHS Kernow said it was aware that people are very keen to find out about the developing Covid-19 vaccination programme in Cornwall and promised to share more updates as information became available.

Further information on the vaccine is available via the national NHS website.