Medical Centre to offer vaccines later this month

Welshpool Medical Centre has confirmed its intent to become a vaccine hub and expects to launch operations from the week commencing January 25.

The practice has registered its intent with Powys Teaching Health Board to provide the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine as soon as possible to eligible patients based on the national priority list.

“At present we are being informed that the earliest we will be able to start vaccinating eligible patients is w/c January 25 due to the vaccine delivery schedule which is out of our control,” said a spokesperson. “Should vaccines be available earlier to us we will be able to start sooner.”

Eligible patients will be invited by letter to attend the practice for their vaccine nearer the time and the message remains not to contact the practice to enquire.

“Our telephone lines are incredibly busy and we need to ensure those patients requiring urgent care can get through to us,” the spokesperson said.

“Once vaccines are available to us we will only be able to immunise the over 80s able to attend the practice in line with the national priority list. This will not include patients in residential or care homes as Powys Teaching Health Board are arranging these vaccinations.”

All other age cohorts and those at risk, including those who were advised to shield, are currently not included.

“However we will continue to keep patients informed via our website and social media.”