GPs are encouraging Bristol people to book in their coronavirus jabs this weekend while supplies are still well-stocked.
Everyone aged 50 and over is now eligible to book via the NHS for their first dose of the vaccine, as well as people in high-risk priority groups and professions.
Last Saturday (March 20) a record number of jabs were administered across England, averaging an incredible 27 jabs per second.
Slots for first doses are expected to decrease from next week, as the NHS is expecting a slowdown in UK vaccine supply for the whole of April.
'Don't delay'
Neil Kerfoot, GP at Kingswood Health Centre, said: "We have a strong supply of vaccine [this] week, so if you are aged over 50 or eligible for vaccination due to an underlying health condition, don’t delay.
"Now is a great time to book your Covid-19 jab – it’s quick and efficient, safe and effective, and painless.
“If you are over 50 or have an underlying health condition that means you are eligible for vaccination, please contact your GP surgery to book your appointment.”
Dr Kerfoot said the "incredible hard work" of vaccination teams was on full display last weekend.
He is clinical director at a group of GP surgeries in Kingswood collectively known as 4PCN, and across those four sites last Saturday, they vaccinated 1,909 people.
Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire CCG and the wider Healthier Together network have also made a push for vaccination bookings this weekend.
Across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire, about 350,000 people have been vaccinated so far.
South Gloucestershire Council tweeted yesterday (Thursday, March 25): "There will be a reduction in vaccine supply from the week of 29 March, meaning volumes for first dose vaccinations will be constrained.
"The supply of second doses is secure.
"Everyone in the top nine priority groups is eligible to book their Covid-19 vaccine.
"Appointments for first doses are still available for the rest of March, but are filling up fast."
Vaccination bookings can be made on the NHS website or by calling your GP or 119.
NHS England confirmed in a statement: "Far fewer appointments will be available for first doses from next week as the bulk of available supplies are used to fully vaccinate people with a second jab.
"NHS national medical director Professor Stephen Powis has called on anyone who qualifies for a jab, but has not yet received one, to book an appointment in the next few days before slots dry up."
