The NHS is to text vulnerable people across Gedling borough this week and urge them to get a life-saving Covid jab.
The messages will target those with underlying conditions such as diabetes and some forms of cancer.
GPs have already been inviting those with the conditions from their patient lists.
Now the NHS is texting them with a link that enables them to arrange a jab at a vaccination centre or pharmacy-led service at the touch of a button.
NHS Chief Executive Sir Simon Stevens said: “We’re sending out around two million NHS text invitations over the weekend as more vaccine supplies come online next week. Bookings are booming, with a record number of NHS COVID jabs arranged through our national service last weekend when over one million appointments were made.”
34,183 people in Gedling borough have now had the jab and the majority of appointments were arranged through the national booking service as people aged 55 and over were invited to get a jab.
The vast majority booked online, while a smaller number booked by calling 119 which offers additional support when booking their jab.
More than 19 million people across England have now received a life-saving COVID vaccination.
Jane Lyons, CEO of Cancer52 which works to support people with rare and less common cancers: “We can’t say it often enough – if you or someone you love has a cancer that makes them more vulnerable to COVID-19 and they are called for the vaccine then the best thing you can do now is to have the COVID jab or help them have theirs. It may save your life, or that of your loved one. Watch out for texts from NHSvaccine that are being sent to vulnerable people. And then please act on it.”
Mark Winstanley, chief executive of Rethink Mental Illness: “Rethink Mental Illness strongly encourages anyone who is invited by text, letter or phone to book an appointment for a vaccination. Unfortunately, people severely affected by mental illness are more likely to become seriously unwell with COVID-19. The vaccine is the best way to protect yourself from the virus, significantly reduce that risk and help keep others safe. If you have any concerns, you will be able to talk to a health professional before your vaccination who can provide further information and support.”
Texts include a web link for those eligible to click and reserve an appointment at one of more than 300 large-scale vaccination centres or pharmacies across England.
Messages will be sent using the Government’s secure Notify service and will show as being sent from ‘NHSvaccine’.
If people cannot or would prefer not to travel to a Vaccination Centre or pharmacy-led site, they can choose to wait to be invited by a local GP-led service.
Ian Green, chief executive at Terrence Higgins Trust, said: ‘We hope these text messages will encourage even more people living with HIV to book in for their first dose of COVID vaccine with a few clicks on their phone. It’s also important to say that anyone living with HIV who hasn’t shared their HIV status with their GP for whatever reason – and therefore won’t receive a text link – can organise an appointment by contacting their HIV clinic. Whatever the way, we strongly encourage anyone living with HIV to get vaccinated in the next week or so for peace of mind and protection against COVID-19.’
The Doctors’ Association UK welcomes the drive to ensure as many people as possible amongst cohort 6 take up the COVID-19 vaccination.
Dr Ellen Welch is a GP with the DAUK and says: “I have an appointment for my second vaccination today, which as a pregnant healthcare worker was important for me to have to feel protected. I would encourage everyone, especially those at increased risk, to make the most of this opportunity. To be able to return to a sense of normality, it is essential we vaccinate as many of the population possible.”
DAUK’s Dr David Nicholl says: “We already know that the vaccine is safe, we now know that it also brings protection to our nearest and dearest. This is especially important for the clinically vulnerable in the cohort 6 group. As such the Doctors’ Association UK would encourage anyone who gets called, to get vaccinated, to get themselves and those they love protected as quickly as possible”
