GPs begin offering Covid vaccine.

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GP services in Kent and Medway are joining biggest vaccination programme in NHS. The first local practices have received their Covid-19 vaccine and the first clinics will be starting today [Tuesday 15 December].

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At least nine primary care based Covid-19 vaccination services will open in Kent and Medway this week, with more to follow in the weeks ahead. General practice teams have been working round the clock to get everything ready.

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Dr Navin Kumta, Ashford GP and clinical chair of Kent and Medway Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “This is fantastic news. General Practice will play an integral part of rolling out the vaccine across Kent and Medway. It is a massive step forward in our fight against Covid-19.

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“It is a big task and it will take time. Patients will be invited when it’s their turn, so there is no need to call your surgery. We know people want to find out more but please be patient and keep surgery phone lines free for others who need appointments and prescriptions.”

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Dr Jeremy Carter from Herne Bay is leading the team who will be one of the first in Kent and Medway to start vaccinating on Tuesday. He said:

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“We are starting with people aged over 80, and within those, looking to invite our most vulnerable patients first. There has been an excellent response from the patients we have been inviting. People are keen to get protected and we’re looking forward to starting.”

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With infection rates in Kent and Medway still amongst the highest in the country Dr Kumta reminds us all of the importance of taking action to stop the spread of the virus. He said:

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“The vaccine is the long term game changer. But everyone will need two doses given about a month apart. So right now we still need to be taking every step to stop the spread of the virus.

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“It’s critical that anyone with symptoms self-isolates; along with everyone in their household. And we all need to keep washing our hands regularly and properly; wearing masks and keeping two metres from others wherever possible.”

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Information on the roll out of Covid-19 vaccine in Kent and Medway will be kept up-to-date at:

www.kentandmedwayccg.nhs.uk/covid19vaccine

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Sir Roger Gale MP has said “Great news that the GP/,backed rollout of Coronavirus Vaccine will start from selected surgeries around Kent from today.and congratulations to Dr Jeremy Carter (Herne Bay) on leading one of the first GP teams to get to work on this vital project”