Swansea Bay over-80s COVID vaccination programme kicks off at Killay GP surgery

The GP Covid-19 vaccination programme for over 80s has started at Killay Medical Centre with 100 patients booked in for their first dose at a special Saturday clinic.

Among the first to get vaccinated was 82-year-old Marcia Sturk, who said: “I was happy to get my vaccination, not just to protect myself, but to protect others too.”

There are around 1,800 patients aged over 80 on the surgery’s list alone, and across Swansea and Neath Port Talbot, the total number of people aged 80+ is approximately 24,000.

All 49 GP practices in Swansea Bay have signed up to deliver the first Covid-19 vaccination to the patients in this age group. The plan is to get around them all with a first dose of the vaccine in the next few weeks.

Swansea Bay NHS said in a statement that the surgeries will be contacting patients directly, by telephone or letter, to arrange an appointment, and asks for people not to ring them yourselves, as staff need to get on with their work.

They also remind people that the vaccination is free, so beware of scammers as you will never be asked for you for any bank or financial details.

Killay Medical Centre’s Dr Chris Johns said he was delighted to begin vaccinating his patients. “We are very pleased to be involved and begin these vaccinations. It feels like it’s been a long time coming, but we’ve started at last.

“We will be vaccinating 100 people today and as well as holding special clinics in the surgery we are also looking at using some community venues as well to help us get around everyone.”

He added: “I also want to remind patients that even when they get their vaccination, it’s important to keep on taking social distancing precautions; wash hands regularly; wear a face covering in enclosed public building; and keep two metres from people you don’t live with”

Appointments have started going out from GP practices across Swansea Bay, and from next week many more surgeries will begin vaccinating.

Vaccinations are also well underway in care homes in Swansea and Neath Port Talbot.

There are nine priority groups for the vaccine, and Swansea Bay NHS hope to have covered the first four (below) by the middle of February:

1. Residents in a care home for older adults and their carers
2. All those 80 years of age and over and frontline health and social care workers
3. All those 75 years of age and over
4. All those 70 years of age and over; and clinically extremely vulnerable individuals

They remind people DO NOT ring your surgery or hospitals. You will receive an invitation directly when your turn comes.

Vaccinations will be delivered at a variety of venues: at a hospital, GP surgery, community building, in your home (if you are housebound) or at one of the health board’s mass vaccination centres which are opening shortly.

You will get full details of your appointment when you are contacted.

People can also find information on Swansea Bay NHS’s website: https://sbuhb.nhs.wales/coronavirus-covid-19/information/