John Baron MP welcomes start of local vaccinations

Mr Benton receiving the vaccine

MP encourages everyone to get vaccine when contacted

The Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust (MSEFT) began its local vaccination programme against the coronavirus this morning. People aged 80 and over, as well as care home workers and NHS workers at higher risk, will be first to receive the jab. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, which is independent of the NHS, advises on the groups that receive the vaccination first.

Due to the storage and transportation requirements of the vaccine, Basildon Hospital will initially open as the vaccination centre, with Broomfield and Southend following in due course. Paramedics will provide the core staffing for the vaccination service.

GPs and primary care staff are being put on standby to start delivering the vaccination. A small number of GP-led primary care networks will begin vaccinating next week, with more practices joining in on a phased basis during December and the coming months. Larger-capacity vaccination centres in sporting venues, conference centres and NHS sites will be used when further supplies of vaccine become available.

John said,

“This is fantastic news, and I congratulate everyone at MSEFT on their hard work in setting up our local vaccination programme. People will be contacted when it is their time to have their vaccine, and I encourage everyone to have the jab when their turn comes. Meanwhile, everyone should continue to observe social distancing, as the vaccine will not make the virus go away overnight.”

Dr. David Walker, Chief Medical Officer of Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, said,

“The vaccine is our best defence against a virus that is indiscriminate in who it affects. COVID-19 cases are still high in mid and south Essex, and so while the jab is being distributed throughout the community it is vital that we all continue to maintain effective social distancing, wear masks, and regularly wash our hands. These measures together will be a huge step towards getting life back to normal.”

War veteran Frederick Benton (94), from Grays, was the first person in the Trust to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. He said,

“I feel really privileged to be one of the first people in the country to have the vaccine. We’re really lucky, it’s marvellous.”