‘He should be their top priority’ – Son of Sheffield 100-year-old angry over coronavirus vaccine delay

The son of a 100-year-old Sheffield man says he is at a loss to understand why his dad has not been given an appointment to get his coronavirus vaccine yet.
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Stephen Wilson says his dad George, who lives in Hillsborough, has not been contacted by his GP surgery since the rollout of the long-awaited Covid-19 vaccine began in December.

Stephen said his dad is now getting worried over the lack of news, and that the recent announcement that the vaccinations are now beginning for people in their 70s has confused the pair still further.

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“He should be at the top of the priority list if anyone is - I think it is ridiculous really,” he said.

100-year-old George Wilson, from Hillsborough, is still waiting for his first vaccine dose.100-year-old George Wilson, from Hillsborough, is still waiting for his first vaccine dose.
100-year-old George Wilson, from Hillsborough, is still waiting for his first vaccine dose.

“He will be 101 in July and is now getting quite anxious, especially when they say people in their 70s are getting it now.

“We’ve heard of people from Dykes Hall and Tramways who are all younger than him who have had it. That is the annoying thing.”

Steve said he had been in touch with the GP surgery his dad attends - Far Lane in Hillsborough - but says they have so far been unable to tell him anything.

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The surgery is part of a ‘primary care network’ with other practices in the area but the central hub for that network – The Health Care Surgery on Palgrave Road – has not contacted them either.

In the absence of a vaccination, Stephen said his normally very active dad is essentially housebound.

“He lives on his own and is quite self-sufficient,” said Steve.

“He does all his own cooking and goes out for daily walks but is having to go earlier than he normally would to avoid people.

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“Other than that he is just stuck in the house. I know there are lots of people in the same boat at the moment but it is just frustrating.”

A message on Far Lane Medical Centre’s website says they are currently ‘awaiting further instructions’ from NHS England and Sheffield CCG regarding when patients will be invited for vaccinations and where they will take place.

They added that they are in contact with the CCG and NHS England on a daily basis to make sure vaccinations are arranged as soon as possible.

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.