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Covid vaccinations to begin at Southmead Hospital
The first coronavirus vaccinations in Bristol could begin on Tuesday.
Southmead Hospital has been named as one of the UK’s ‘hospital hubs’ in which people aged 80 and above, care home workers and NHS workers at higher risk will be vaccinated.
North Bristol Trust’s medical director Chris Burton said that they “are pleased to be part of this historic moment”.
is needed now More than ever
He said: “The vaccine programme represents our best defence against the virus alongside effective social distancing, wearing a mask and hand hygiene.
“Hospital hubs will be just one of several options for how and where the vaccine will be delivered in our area as more locations become available soon.”
One of these locations is expected to be Ashton Gate Stadium, where the Army have already been spotted.
Ashton Gate is the home to Bristol City and Bristol Bears – photo: Martin Booth
NHS England said staff had been working through the weekend to prepare for the launch of the vaccination national programme.
Professor Stephen Powis, NHS national medical director, said: “Despite the huge complexities, hospitals will kickstart the first phase of the largest scale vaccination campaign in our country’s history from Tuesday…
“The NHS has a strong record of delivering large scale vaccination programmes – from the flu jab, HPV vaccine and lifesaving MMR jabs – hardworking staff will once again rise to the challenge to protect the most vulnerable people from this awful disease.”
Main photo: James Koch
Read more: In photos: Bristol’s NHS heroes
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