Residents urged to get their winter Covid-19 vaccine

Eligible Torbay residents are being urged to get their winter Covid-19 vaccination following the emergence of a new variant of the virus.

NHS England has brought forward the winter vaccination programme to help combat the strain, nicknamed ‘Pirola’, and the increasing spread.

As a result, Torbay residents who have been invited can book an appointment to receive their vaccination from today (September 18). The area’s vaccine service is based at the Riviera International Centre in Torquay and run by Torbay General Practice (TGP) – an alliance of ten GP Practices.

You can book an appointment either through the national booking service or by calling 119. Do not contact your GP practice to arrange your vaccine. Eligible patients should have received an invitation from their GP practice.

Nicci Hilson, TGP Covid Vaccination Service Project Lead, said: “The new strain – and the recent increase in cases – is a sharp reminder that that Covid hasn’t gone away.

“It’s vitally important that the most vulnerable residents continue to protect themselves against the disease and that we avoid putting friends and family members at risk.

“And the best way to do that is by getting vaccinated.”

TGP’s vaccination team have already been hard at work protecting the most vulnerable patients in the areas.

Last week – following the decision to bring forward the programme – the team visited 54 care home, delivering Covid-19 and flu jabs 1,300 to residents and staff.

Nicci said: “Once again, the team has gone above and beyond the call of duty, working long hours at short notice to help protect some of our most vulnerable patients.

“We’re also very grateful to the care homes for their support at such short notice. It helped the team enormously that the residents were prepped and ready for our arrival and ensured we could provide as many vaccinations as possible.”