Devon set to hit jab target

But remaining over 70s encouraged to call

People aged over 70, and those who are clinically extremely vulnerable, are being asked to call for a coronavirus vaccination and get jabbed this weekend. Slots are available - and the number to call is 01626 204920 to book an appointment.

The ralling call for the elderly comes as the NHS in Devon is on target to have vaccinated all the eligible people in priority groups one to four who want to take up a vaccine, by Valentine's Day in line with the government’s ambition.

The latest data published by the NHS show that as of 7 February, more than 271,000 people had received a first dose across the county, with approximately 98 per cent of people aged 75 to 79, and 95 per cent of over-80s, having received a vaccination. An average of about 12,000 vaccinations are currently being given every day in Devon.

Eligible people who want a jab should use the national booking service at www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination (anytime) or call 119 (free, 7am-11pm, seven days a week). This allows people to choose a time slot and location that suits them. Appointments are currently available and you don’t need to have received a letter to use the service, as long as you are in an eligible group.

The service offers appointments at large vaccination centres or the selected community pharmacies that are offering the jab:
o Westpoint Exeter – large vaccination centre
o Home Park, Plymouth – large vaccination centre
o Plymouth Cricket Ground, Devonport, run by Devonport Pharmacy
o Lewis Pharmacy, Exeter Road, Exmouth
o Westward Ho! Baptist Church, run by Arnolds Pharmacy, Westward Ho!

For some people, attending the large vaccination sites at Taunton Racecourse in Somerset and the Royal Cornwall Showground, Wadebridge, may be more convenient, and slots can be booked at these locations via the national booking service.
• From today (12 February) until Sunday (14 February), people in JCVI groups 1-4 who haven’t had the vaccine, can call a temporary phone number hosted by NHS Devon Clinical Commissioning Group on behalf of local vaccination services. You must live in Devon, although you do not have to be registered with a GP,

 The number is 01626 204920. It will be open 9am-5pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 12 to 14 February only. Calls are charged at normal rates.

Call-handlers will work with you and the local vaccination centres and do their best to arrange an appointment at a vaccination centre convenient for you within the next few days wherever possible. People can still choose to contact their practice directly if they wish, or wait for their GP to contact them.