A COVID-19 vaccination programme delivered by GP practices has got underway in Cheshire today (December 15).

Winsford was the first location in the county to launch a doctor-led vaccine service with Frodsham and Macclesfield set to follow suit later this week.

GP practices in other areas of Cheshire will also start rolling out the vaccine in their communities in the coming weeks.

It comes after the launch of the vaccination programme in hospitals last week, which saw the county's first life-saving Pfizer Covid-19 jab administered by the Countess of Chester Hospital.

Geoff Greenhough, 84, from Winsford, became the first person in Cheshire to receive a Covid-19 vaccination at a GP-led service this morning.

Frodsham GP, Dr Chris Ritchieson, Medical Director at Cheshire West Integrated Care Partnership, said: “I am delighted that Cheshire West GPs are set to start rolling out a Covid-19 vaccine across local communities. Clearly, the sooner we are able to protect our most vulnerable residents, the better.

“Given the scale of the task, this will be a marathon, not a sprint, but we also know that every marathon starts with a single step.”

Cllr Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: “The news of the further roll-out of the vaccination programme could not be more welcome.

“It’s great that the vaccine is being taken closer to communities with the GP practices in Winsford and Frodsham this week, with more to follow in the next few weeks.

“To know that the people in our borough most at risk from COVID-19 will be offered the vaccination is wonderful and I would urge those who are invited to take it up.”

Knutsford GP Patrick Kearns, Medical Director at Cheshire East Integrated Care Partnership, added: “It is fantastic news that colleagues in Macclesfield will start vaccinating residents aged over 80 this week, with further locations in Cheshire East due to start vaccinating in the coming weeks.

“When you are invited to receive a vaccination, it is really important that you act upon it to help protect yourself and your loved ones and help us get on top of this awful virus.”

To help deliver the Covid-19 vaccination programme effectively, the NHS is asking people to follow this simple guidance:

  • We will contact people in the priority groups when it is their turn to receive the vaccine. Please do not contact the NHS to seek a vaccine before then.
  • When you are invited for a vaccine, please act on your invite and make sure you attend appointments when you arrange them.
  • Please continue to wear a face covering and abide by social distancing and hand hygiene guidance as, until the vaccine has been fully rolled out, this is the most effective way to save lives.

Alongside delivering a Covid-19 vaccine, GP practices across Cheshire will continue to offer routine appointments to those that need them.

If in any doubt about which local health service you need to contact NHS 111 first – either by dialling 111 or online at: 111.nhs.uk