Greg Smith MP gives update on Bucks' vaccination centres

Greg Smith, who is the MP for Buckingham, penned the update on his Facebook page on February 9, explaining that he is keeping in touch with medical professionals in the area for updates on the vaccination progress.

He recently visited a vaccination centre in Princes Risborough last weekend.

Speaking on February 9, he said: “The vaccination programme continues at pace -- and yesterday [February 8], we heard the incredible news that nearly one in four adults in the United Kingdom have now received the first dose of one of the vaccines.

READ MORE: 'What’s the alternative? You die' - Man opens up on having the Covid vaccine in Bucks

“Locally, I continue to keep in touch with local GP partnerships, the CCG, Council and the Department for Health and Social Care to do what I can to ensure we in Buckinghamshire are also on track for the mid-February target for all in the top four JCVI groups.

“The good news is that across our GP led sites in Princes Risborough, Winslow, Buckingham and the Stoke Mandeville hub, coupled with pharmacy led sites in Buckingham and the Aylesbury Odeon, as well as some choosing to travel to the national vaccination centres - Buckinghamshire is on track.”

Greg Smith MP

The county had their first vaccination centre organised by Oxford Health open to the public on February 8, with OH being the lead provider for mass vaccination outlets across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and West Berkshire

The site, which is located at Buckinghamshire New University’s Aylesbury campus, is one of many vaccination sites within the county, and as of February 10, over 13m people have been vaccinated in the country

Mr Smith continued: “Indeed, it was a great pleasure to visit the Princes Risborough vaccination centre over the weekend to listen to GPs and managers and thank everyone involved in the incredible achievement of having already offered everyone in those top four most vulnerable groups on the Unity Health and Cross Keys Practice patient rolls their first dose, with the vast majority having received theirs.

“There are some who will have been unable to attend their offered first appointment due to illness, who are now being prioritised for their jabs.

READ MORE: Split opinions as Bucks residents have their say on the Covid-19 vaccine

“This vaccination programme is a massive challenge for all involved.

Mr Smith's Facebook post

“It is a massive strain on our GP practices who equally need to maintain a focus on their normal day to day duties on top of administering the vaccines.

“We all owe them an enormous debt of gratitude. “

If you - or a member of your family - is in one of the top four priority groups and has not had an offer of an appointment for your/their first jab, you are encouraged to contact the NHS.

To arrange a vaccination, visit nhs.uk/covid-vaccination.

For more information, call 119.

The number is free of charge and is accessible between 7am and 11pm seven days a week.