Covid-19 vaccinations are now proceeding into lower age groups in Rutland, with health and social care staff also receiving them.

Rutland Health Primary Care Network says it N has now administered the first vaccination to 94.7% of patients aged over 80, 93.5% of those aged between 75-79 and 25.7% of those aged 70-74.

Furthermore, it has also vaccinated the residents of all 11 care homes, and approximately 800 health and social care staff. Health and social care workers are also being offered vaccination at NHS staff sites at the Leicester Hospitals.

In an update issued yesterday, the network said it is now inviting patients from cohort 4 – patients aged over 70 and those who are clinically extremely vulnerable.

Patients designated as clinically extremely vulnerable will have received a letter from the government in March – July 2020 offering extra support.

There is another group of vulnerable patients (cohort 6 – people who have long term conditions) who will be contacted shortly but not this week.

Patients aged over 70 and those who are clinically extremely vulnerable will receive invitations to book appointments over the next two weeks.

Patients will receive an invitation by SMS if they have a mobile phone, and by telephone if they don't. There are also other systems in place for those who cannot use the phone to ensure no one is missed.

Patients over 70 are also receiving letters from the national NHS inviting them to book their first appointment at a mass vaccination centre in Leicester through a website link or phoning 119.

This booking process does not allow you to book appointments at the network's Rutland site in Oakham which is called a Local Vaccination Service.

The letter also says people may be contacted to book vaccinations at GP surgeries – this means the COVID Vaccination Centre in Oakham, rather than the individual GP surgeries.

The update continued: "All vaccination centres are working to the same rules, and cannot administer 2nd vaccinations at the moment, though we are hoping to be given permission soon."

In the NHS letter, patients are asked to take evidence of being clinically extremely vulnerable.

The update continued: "This means the letter you received from the government. You do not need another letter from your GP – please do not contact your surgery.

"You do not need to bring any letters to the Rutland COVID Vaccination centre. The mass vaccination centre in Leicester can access your summary care record if you have lost your shielding letter."

The update also said it expects to start delivering second vaccinations in March.

It said: "If you have your first vaccination at a mass vaccination centre you will need to go there for your second vaccination.

"We are hoping for the information which will allow us to book second vaccinations very soon – the second vaccination will be 11-12 weeks after your first, wherever you have your vaccination.

"We are expecting to be allowed to start 2nd vaccinations in March. You are not fully protected until you have had both vaccinations."

The update continued: "The supply of vaccine remains erratic and unpredictable, but we have had a delivery every week.

"Sometimes we are offered an extra delivery at very short notice when another site is unable to use it – if that happens we will offer the vaccine to eligible patients using our automated booking system that sends an SMS to your mobile phone (SMS Instructions).

"You can also use this link in a web browser on your computer or tablet. Our booking teams will telephone patients who do not have access to the automated booking systems and we will make sure that everyone eligible is invited.

It also added: "There are unfortunately a number of scams circulating about the COVID Vaccination Programme. Our automated system looks like this: SMS Instructions.

"The NHS will never ask for payment or bank details. More details on COVID Vaccine scams can be found here."

"Please do not contact your GP practice."