26/01/2021 - Permalink

Coronavirus: All Shropshire care homes on course to receive the vaccine

Related topics: Adult social care / Coronavirus / Health

All eligible residents in Shropshire care homes are set to receive their first dose of their COVID-19 vaccine by the end of the week.

Currently 97% of care home residents have been vaccinated: this is one of the highest rates in the West Midlands region.

In the past few weeks residents have received their vaccines on site.  Staff at the homes have also been able to get their vaccine at local hospital hubs and in the care homes where they work.

Dean Carroll, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for adult social care, public health and climate change, said

“This is welcome news after what has been a very difficult few months for our care homes. Too many families have lost loved ones to this dreadful virus and I know this has deeply affected all staff who work so hard to provide care and comfort to residents.

“We are immensely thankful to the NHS and volunteers who have worked around the clock to make this happen. We are pleased to see so many of our older and vulnerable residents and the people who care for them getting their vaccines. There are still challenges ahead but this vaccine rollout gives hope and optimism for the future. We will continue to work with all our care providers to prioritise the protection of all our vulnerable residents and those who care for them.

The Government has pledged that all those in the top four priority categories will receive the first dose of their COVID-19 vaccine by mid-February. In Shropshire, these four groups are all on schedule to have received their first dose within the targeted date.

Separately the area’s Primary Care Networks of GP practices are expected to receive their first doses of vaccines this week, with vaccination centres in Shrewsbury and Ludlow due to open in early February.

Step Up and help us stop the spread of coronavirus:

  • Stay At Home
  • Work from home, if you can
  • Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
  • Do not leave home if you or anyone in your household has symptoms
  • Wear a face covering in indoor settings (food shops, workplaces) where social distancing may be more difficult, and where you may come close to people who are not part of your household or bubble.
  • Anyone who has any symptoms should book a test and not leave home for at least 10 days. Those living in households should self-isolate for 10 days if they or any members of the household receive a positive test.

For local advice and support during the pandemic (especially if you are self-isolating), call Shropshire Council’s COVID-19 Helpline on 0345 678 9028  – option 0 (lines open on the weekend on Saturday from 9am-4pm and Sunday 9am-12pm) or visit our website at www.shropshire.gov.uk/coronavirus.