The NHS started to deliver the COVID-19 vaccine in Ealing last Friday (including the first patient), in line with the government’s priority list of who will get it first.
Some of those among the first 900 people to receive the vaccine in Ealing were care workers, doctors, and nurses, who have been on the front line tackling the virus since March.
Romesh Bhatt was the first GP to receive the vaccine in Ealing and he said it was a momentous moment and he encouraged patients to get the vaccine. He said: “It seems like a new chapter for us all. I think we have all experienced the difficulties in the last few months. It has got to a stage where people are finding it more and more difficult to carry on as we are.
“This is a change. This is a new day for us all and, when it is fully rolled out, we will have some degree of normality which we are all craving at this moment. So, it is a momentous day for us in Ealing and I am delighted that patients, as well as healthcare workers are being vaccinated. I would encourage everybody to put their hands up.”
People over the age of 80 and those on the government’s priority list will be directly contacted by their GP with the details of how they can receive the vaccine.
You cannot book in advance for a vaccine, so do not contact your doctor or the NHS to ask about vaccination.
In advance of your appointment, you may want to read the COVID-19 vaccination guide for adults leaflet. You can also hear local Harrow GP Genevieve Small talk about her own experience of having the vaccine.
Encourage others to get the vaccine
Encourage others to get the vaccine and tackle the virus head on by sharing a photo of you getting the jab. The council is asking residents to share a photo of them getting the vaccine and why they decided to get the vaccine on social media by tagging in the council. Residents who do not have social media, but would like to be involved should send their photos by email to press@ealing.gov.uk, with GetTheVaccine in the subject line and it will be shared on the council’s social media platforms. Or you can direct message (DM) the council’s Instagram account @ealingcouncil
Phased delivery
It will take time to vaccinate everyone in this first group. The phased vaccine supply means the bulk of vaccinations for high risk groups will take place between January and April – so please be aware you may not be called until then.
