New Covid vaccine blow as now Corby patients told they can’t get their jabs
Lakeside, one of the largest GP super-surgeries in the country, will not have its vaccines delivered
Vulnerable Lakeside Surgery patients in Corby have been told at the eleventh hour that they won’t be able to have the vital Covid vaccine before Christmas.
It is thought that nearly 1,000 elderly local patients had been booked in to get the Covid vaccine - which arrives in batches of 975 - for December 21, 22, 23 and 24.
But Lakeside Healthcare announced tonight that the vaccine would now not be arriving on time for reasons ‘out of their control.’
It comes on the same day patients in Rushden had their appointments cancelled after a fridge malfunctioned, ruining hundreds of doses.
The reason for the delay at Corby is not known, but a statement from Lakeside to patients tonight said: “We have today been informed by NHS England that despite being recently asked to commence COVID-19 vaccinations on December 21, we will not now be receiving a supply of the vaccine in time to commence vaccinations.
“At this time we have not been given a date when we can expect to receive the vaccines.
“It is therefore with regret we must cancel COVID-19 Vaccination appointments made for December 21, 22, 23 and 24.
“Whilst this is for reasons entirely out of our control, please accept our apologies and be assured we will make NHS England aware of the impact this delay has on our patients.”
Many people took to social media to express their disappointment that they would now not be able to access the first dose of the vaccine, thought to provide some limited protection against Covid-19, ahead of Christmas.
One woman said: “My mum and dad were both due to get vaccinated and we were going to see them at Christmas.
“They’re so disappointed. It’s been such a horrible year not being able to hug them.”
Lakeside have asked patients not to ring the surgery and have said they will inform patients of when new doses become available.