Sheffield CCG reveals why some housebound patients have not had their Covid jab

The housebound elderly will receive their Covid-19 vaccinations in due course, said NHS Sheffield CCG.
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The assurance came after complaints made by the public that their elderly housebound family members have not been offered the vaccine to protect themselves against the deadly virus.

Chief Nurse and Covid Vaccinationation Lead at NHS Sheffield CCG Alun Windle said the primary care networks across the city have started vaccinating housebound patients.

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He said: "Primary care networks have started vaccinating housebound patients. Our plan is to vaccinate all people in the top priority groups by the middle of February if supply allows."

A nurse prepares to administer the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to patient Trixie Walker at the Northern General Hospital in Sheffield (Photo by ANDY STENNING/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)A nurse prepares to administer the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to patient Trixie Walker at the Northern General Hospital in Sheffield (Photo by ANDY STENNING/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
A nurse prepares to administer the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to patient Trixie Walker at the Northern General Hospital in Sheffield (Photo by ANDY STENNING/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Sheffield CCG also said housebound patients will have to wait until the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine is approved as practices will be using the vaccine because it is easier to manage.

The Oxford vaccine is known to be easier to store and distribute throughout the UK than the Pfizer jab, which needs to be kept at -70C until the day it is used.

But the AstraZeneca vaccine can just be stored between 2C and 8C, therefore making it easier to administer in the community.

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The Star Facebook readers have commented that their elderly family members have yet to be offered the vaccines since the rollout last month.

One user said: "My mum's 84 and still waiting. Not heard anything as yet so I can't see how it's right that over 70s are being vaccinated when I'm sure there are many more in their 80s and 90s still waiting."

Another said: "My mum is 93 and housebound and hasn't heard anything!"

Yesterday, public were told to wait as it will take time to administer the vaccine.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.

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