Sheffield GP issues new advice to over-80s who have not had their Covid vaccination

People had previously been told to wait to be invited for their jab, and that remains the advice for the vast majority.

But with most Sheffielders in the oldest age category having now had their first dose, doctors are keen to ensure no one from that most vulnerable group is missed.

UK strategy to delay second Covid jab was ‘right decision’ - what early signs suggest

Dr Ollie Hart, clinical director of the Heeley-Plus Primary Care Network, said: “We’re pretty sure Sheffield will exceed the Government’s target to give everyone in the top four target cohorts their first dose by mid-February, which is great news for the city.

"If there’s anyone who’s over 80, hasn’t had an invitation to be vaccinated and feels they may have been missed, it’s now reasonable to get in touch with your GP.

These Sheffield experts tackle the myths and conspiracy theories around Covid-19 vaccines: 'If it seems unbelievable, it probably is'

"Anyone else should continue to wait to be invited to book an appointment.”

The top four groups on the Government’s priority list are care home residents and staff, anyone aged 70 and over and people classed as being ‘clinically extremely vulnerable’.

Nearly 80% of over-80s vaccinated in South Yorkshire: How it compares to rest of the country

Concerns had been raised about a ‘pause’ in supply of the vaccine for surgeries in Sheffield to help other parts of the country which had made a slower start to vaccinations.

But Dr Hart said he was now confident that every one of Sheffield’s 15 primary care networks would receive enough of the vaccines to enable them to hit the Government’s mid-February target.