VACCINATIONS for coronavirus will be rolled out in Northwich, Middlewich, Knutsford and Wilmslow in the next two weeks.

GP-led sites across the four towns will join Winsford, which began its Covid vaccination programme last month.

An exact start date for each town is subject to national vaccine supply and other key operational considerations, but NHS Cheshire clinical commissioning group (CCG) has confirmed the roll-out will take place over the next fortnight.

The roll-out will initially focus on protecting people who are at the highest risk from coronavirus, and residents will be contacted when it is their turn to be vaccinated.

Dr Chris Ritchieson, medical director at Cheshire West integrated care partnership, said: “We understand that people are anxious to receive a Covid-19 vaccine as soon as possible.

"However, please don’t contact your GP practice, local hospital or council to seek a Covid-19 vaccine appointment – appointments cannot be made in this way.

“If you’re eligible for a vaccine, but are yet to be contacted, please remain patient. You will not be missed.”

Locations for vaccination sites in Northwich, Middlewich, Knutsford and Wilmslow are yet to be confirmed.

Vaccinations have been available at the Countess of Chester Hospital since December 8 and at Mid Cheshire Hospitals since December 28, with East Cheshire NHS Trust set to begin vaccinations from its sites on Wednesday, January 6.

A small number of pharmacy-led sites have also been identified across Cheshire that could support GP-led services where required to ensure that residents are vaccinated as quickly as possible, the CCG says.

A spokesman for NHS Cheshire CCG said: "As we head into the new year with the approval of a second vaccine that is more versatile we will be able to expand the programme and ensure that the majority of care home staff and residents are protected in the coming weeks.

"NHS organisations have also been asked to start vaccinating frontline health and care workers such as nurses, doctors and social workers.

"Priority groups for vaccination are determined by the Government following advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation."

When you are invited for a vaccine, please act on your invite and make sure you attend appointments when you arrange them.

Continue to wear a face covering and abide by social distancing and hand hygiene guidance as, until the vaccine has been fully rolled out, this is the most effective way to save lives.

Knutsford GP Dr Paddy Kearns, medical director at Cheshire East integrated care partnership, added: “This is just the beginning of the largest vaccination programme the country has ever seen and we will make sure that the people who need it most – and those that care for them – are able to access the vaccine in a safe way with the least delay.”

GP practices are continuing to offer routine appointments as normal while the vaccination programme is underway.

For support contact NHS 111 first – either by dialling 111 or online at 111.nhs.uk