The CCG is aware that many residents in Swindon who are currently eligible for a coronavirus vaccine have received an invitation to book an appointment at a large vaccination site in either Salisbury, Bath or Oxford.

We know that, for some people, travelling is not an issue, but many will find it difficult.

We’d be very grateful if you could share the below message, which provides reassurance vaccines will be available locally, in any publications or social media channels you currently have.

If you have any questions, please let me know.

Gill May, Director of Nursing and Quality, Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group, said:

“The vaccination rollout in Swindon has happened at tremendous speed and we have vaccinated significant amounts of those in the priority groups so far. Patients are being invited by their GP to clinics at the Steam Museum and Great Western Hospital, and the National Booking Service is now sending invitation letters to the over 60s to get booked in for their jab.

“We are aware that some people being invited by the National Booking Service will only be offered appointments at the pharmacy sites in Lawn and Highworth, or the large vaccination sites that are located out of town.

“We know that for many people, who are willing and able to travel, the distance to these locations is not a problem. However, we are also extremely aware that for others it is harder to travel.

“As we learn from experience and move through the groups being called for vaccination, we are working hard to plan for future capacity in and around Swindon.

“We would like to reassure everyone in the current priority groups that their GP practice knows many patients will prefer to be vaccinated locally, and practices are already in the process of contacting patients with details of how to book a local appointment. Any person not yet contacted will hear from their practice in the coming days.

“We appreciate how anxious some people are but would urge everyone to try and be patient, the NHS will get to everyone in due course.”