Oldham’s Coronavirus vaccination programme begins this week

Our borough’s Coronavirus vaccination programme starts this week and we’re spreading the word about how it will work and how local people will be contacted by the NHS when it is their turn to receive it.

The first group to be offered the vaccination will be residents aged 80 and above. Over the coming weeks and months residents of all ages will be offered the vaccine.

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, please don’t call the NHS or council, as you’ll be contacted when it is your turn.

Looking after our vulnerable and elderly customers

Some of our most vulnerable and elderly customers aged 80 and above will be the first to be offered the vaccination.

We know that some people in these age groups can be wary of answering the phone to numbers they do not recognise. We’ve already had scams reported to us of people offering a vaccine in exchange for cash. All this means it’s vital we do everything we can to share accurate information to keep our customers up to date.

This is how the appointment system will work:

• You’ll be called by a staff member from a number starting 0161 770.
• 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 them to attend clinic. They will also give the location of the site where you will receive it. This may not be your usual health surgery.
• You’ll also be given the time, date and location for the second dose of the vaccination if you are receiving the Pfizer 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.
• Once you have received the vaccination you must not drive for 15 minutes after and will need to remain in clinic until that time has elapsed.

How you can help us

Please share this information with people you know, especially the elderly and vulnerable, and look out for posts on our Facebook and Twitter accounts. Please like and share them to help us get the message out about the biggest mass vaccination programme in the history of the NHS.

For more information visit the NHS website  or the Oldham Council website.