Vaccinations in Chichester: Here are the latest figures

A spokesman for the Sussex NHS Commissioners issued this statement: "We know that there has been significant interest in the roll out of the COVID-19 in Chichester and we wanted to provide an update.

"So far, over three quarters of all priority groups have now received their COVID-19 vaccination in Chichester.

"Excellent progress continues at both Tangmere and Selsey vaccination services to ensure that patients receive their COVID-19 vaccination.

"80.7 per cent of all patients in the nationally set eligibility groups have now received their vaccination – that includes those aged 50 and over, those clinically extremely vulnerable and those who have underlying health conditions.

"So what happens next?

"Over the coming weeks first dose appointments will continue for those in these groups at both Tangmere and Selsey,

"There have been concerns that Tangmere will close this month but that is not the case.

"In recent weeks people identified by their age have been invited to use the national booking service to arrange an appointment at one of the mass vaccination centres (eg Westgate Centre) or pharmacy led services.

"The mass vaccination centres are not run by the GP practices and appointments are arranged by the national booking service (the website and by calling 119). GP practices are unable to book patients into their clinics.

"Patients with an underlying health condition such as diabetes or learning disabilities have been the focus of GP led local vaccination services, with more vaccination appointments taking place over the coming days and weeks.

"If anyone has an underlying health condition and has not been contacted, please email the team on [email protected] with your name, date of birth and contact number so they can arrange your appointment.

"Second dose appointments will also start in the coming weeks.

"The national programme from NHS England sets out that people have to return to the vaccination service where they received their first dose for their second vaccination.

"This is to ensure patient safety and make sure that people receive the same type of vaccine that they received for their first vaccination.

"In reality what this means is that each service will receive deliveries with the exact number of vaccines to give as second doses as we gave to our patients for their first dose – and the same type of vaccine.

"Therefore, if you have received your first vaccine at Selsey or Tangmere, our teams will be receiving the specific vaccine supplies to be able to give you your second

vaccination.

"People will be contacted as they approach 11 weeks after their first vaccination by the team supporting both Tangmere and Selsey to arrange the next appointment.

"Thanks continue to all of the teams across the two vaccination services including the many volunteers who are providing this vaccination to the most vulnerable patients.

"If you have any questions about the vaccination programme please email [email protected]. Please note this cannot be used to arrange appointments."