Jack Brereton MP is encouraging local people who are due their second Coronavirus vaccine dose to contact their GP if they are approaching the end of the 12-week interval.
Following concerns raised by a number of Stoke-on-Trent South residents, Jack wrote to the Minister responsible for the vaccine rollout to seek reassurance that the programme in North Staffordshire is progressing on target.
Jack said:
"This week, we have reached the incredible milestone of 1 million jabs issued in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire. It is vital that local people receive their second jab at the right time, and support and information is available from the NHS.
"I am encouraging everyone who is due their second dose but who has not already got an appointment booked to contact their GP to make the proper arrangements. New Covid variants are circulating, and while we are confident that the vaccines are just as effective against these new strains, the completion of the vaccination programme is an essential step in getting back towards normality."
In his letter to Jack, Vaccines Minister Nadhim Zahawi MP wrote:
"The NHS has been planning meticulously to ensure that people receive their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine within 12 weeks. The process of providing second doses is progressing according to when people received the first dose, which means the top priority groups that received their first dose of the vaccine at the start of the programme will be the first to receive their second dose. Over the coming weeks this will therefore be mainly people aged 80 and over, and care home residents and staff.
“Where an individual has not received their second dose within the recommended time window, the clinical advice confirms that the second dose should be scheduled as soon as is practicable. Anyone who is approaching the end of their 12-week window for their second dose should contact their GP, who will be able to advise on local provision."
You can read the full text of the Minister's letter to Jack by opening the letter below.
