Sheffield ‘craving supplies’ of Covid vaccine as GP warns practice has run out

Dr Ollie Hart is the director of the Heeley-Plus Primary Care Network, which has set up the vaccination hub at the Matthews Practice.

Up to 700 people a day have succesfully been vaccinated at the centre- but stocks are swiftly depleting.

Speaking out on Twitter, Dr Hart said: “We ran out last week on Friday.

"Next delivery of 800 tomorrow, then today told no delivery for nine more days. and then only 400. We are set up ready to protect our patients.

"It is similar across all the GP hubs in Sheffield. All worked incredibly hard to ready the response. We all now crave supplies.

"And yet we are told they are planning a mass vaccine centre in our city. Please talk to GPs on the ground. We can do this at pace.”

Dr Hart urged Pfizer and AstraZeneca to ‘shed light’ on the ‘disappointing’ situation, adding: “We are ready and desperate to give this ‘gift’ to more.”

Tide of Coronavirus pandemic in Sheffield will 'start to turn' in February, health chief reveals

It comes after Pfizer insisted there were ‘no shortages’ of the vaccine in the UK earlier this month, despite a stark warning from England’s chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty.

Prof Whitty said: “We have to ensure that we maximise the number of eligible people who receive the vaccine.

"Currently the main barrier to this is vaccine availability, a global issue, and this will remain the case for several months and, importantly, through the critical winter period.

"Vaccine shortage is a reality that cannot be wished away."

Currently 15 ‘PCNs’or Primary Care Networks have been operating as vaccination hubs in Sheffield, with these centres currently giving jabs to people aged over 80, staff, and care home residents and staff.

If enough people over 80 have been vaccinated this week, the Sheffield CCG said that PCNs will move on to vaccinating over 70s and those asked to shield.

The Sheffield Star had contacted the NHS England, who deal with vaccine supply across the country, for comment and is awaiting their response.

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.