Coronavirus: NHS vaccination letters for the over 80s

Last weekend, we are aware that some people in Shropshire who are aged 80 and over – the top priority group for coronavirus vaccinations – received a letter from the NHS inviting them for a coronavirus vaccination at a centre outside of Shropshire, possibly some distance away.  We are aware that further letters are due to be issued, inviting more people aged 80 and over to travel to these centres.

We recognise the thought of travelling a considerable distance, especially for our older residents, is not ideal and may cause some distress. We want to take this opportunity again to put your mind at ease.

If you receive this letter, or know someone who does, we want to reassure you that by early February, we expect to have two vaccination centres open in Shropshire – one in Shrewsbury and one in Ludlow, with a third centre in north Shropshire opening a few weeks after this. We’ll publish more precise details about these centres as soon as we are able to. Additionally, more of our GP surgeries are working together to rollout local vaccination services to their patients over the next few weeks.

So, if you receive a letter calling you for a vaccination and, for whatever reason, and you can’t travel outside of Shropshire for this,  don’t worry. You will soon be able get your vaccination much closer to home. You will be contacted by the NHS or their local GP, although may need to wait a little longer for your vaccination.

However, we urge everyone in this age group to get vaccinated as soon as you are able to, whether at a national centre or at a centre closer to home when these are open. This is the best way to protect yourself from coronavirus.