Oldham’s Coronavirus vaccination programme, part of the biggest mass vaccination programme in the history of the NHS, is now underway.

Over the coming weeks and months residents of all ages will be offered the vaccine.

The first to be offered the vaccination will be residents aged 80 and above.

Don’t worry, you will be called when it is your turn for the vaccine. To ease pressure on the NHS at this busy time, and to ensure the process runs as smoothly as possible, we are advising you not to call the NHS and council as you’ll be contacted when it is your turn.

This is how the appointment system will work:

• If you are registered with a GP in Oldham, you will be called by a staff member from a number starting 0161 770 or contacted directly from your GP.
• If you live in Oldham but are registered with a practice outside the borough you will be contacted by representatives from that local authority area.
• The caller will identify themselves and say they are calling on behalf of your GP and they are getting in touch about booking an appointment for a Coronavirus vaccine.
• The caller will then offer dates and times for you to attend clinic. They will also give the location of the site where you will receive it. This may not be your usual surgery.
• If you are receiving the Pfizer vaccination, you will also be given the time, date and location for the second dose of the vaccination. It is vital, you return and keep your second appointment 21 days later.
• The callers booking vaccinations will not ask for any other personal details other than asking you to confirm your name. They certainly will not ask for any money. Sadly, we have already been alerted to possible phone scams with callers asking for payment for access to vaccinations.
• Once you have received the vaccination you must not drive for 15 minutes afterwards. You will need to remain in clinic until that time has elapsed.

It is important that you attend your vaccination appointment. But if for any reason you can’t, let us know as soon as possible so your slot can be offered to another resident. Call the cancellation line on 0161 770 7100.

Please share this information with people you know, especially the elderly and vulnerable.

The vaccine is safe and has gone through many months of testing before reaching this stage.

For more information on the Coronavirus vaccine, visit the NHS website here

• Why vaccination is safe and important – nhs.uk website