Hemel Hempstead resident 'feel left behind' as they continue to wait for COVID-19 vaccines

Peter Morgan, of Sun Square in Hemel Hempstead, also contacted the Hemel Hempstead MP, Sir Mike Penning to raise his concerns about the lack of vaccinations in the town.

Sir Mike said he appreciated people's frustrations but he understood the vaccine would be rolled out in Dacorum in "the next week or so" and that it will be done through Hemel Hempstead Hospital.

Mr Morgan said: "Nearby authorities seem well underway with over 80s either having already had or have had appointments booked.

"Not so it seems in Hemel. What is going on in Hemel? With the infection rate here rising significantly and with neighbouring towns well advanced, why is nothing happening in Hemel — or if it is why are we not being updated?

"There is a feeling that Hemel is being singled out. What is going on? At the moment it looks as though the over 80s in Hemel are being ignored. I would add that I think that priority vaccinations should be given, first to front line NHS staff, and where possible to care home workers and their charges.

"The highest priority, before this thing gets totally out of control, is to the NHS, as if it gets overwhelmed, everyone needing treatment won’t be able to get it.

"I would have thought this was blindingly obvious and I say that as someone in my late 80s and in the vulnerable category."

Janet Paul, from Markyate, added: "I can find no information about when I am to get the vaccination.

"It seems all of Dacorum is being ignored. I have friends in St Albans, Luton, Dunstable, Knebworth and Northamptonshire who have had the jab but no one in Dacorum.

"My surgery knows nothing. I can't find no one to ask. My husband and I are 83 and supposedly are to be in the first list."

Hemel Hempstead MP, Sir Mike Penning has been talking to Hertfordshire County Council's health team about when the vaccine will be rolled out in Dacorum.

He said: "I think this will be in the next week or so, and I believe they will be doing it at Hemel Hempstead Hospital which to me seems the best place.

"I believe there are also plans for Maxted Road (in the industrial estate) and some GP surgeries, that are able to do it.

"They have already released it into care homes here, and we have a lot of care homes in this patch.

"It is positive news and we have to be patient, I know it's frustrating but you will be contacted when it is ready for you to have it.

"I am in regular communication with the council and CCG, and hopefully it will be rolled out here soon."

Herts Valleys Clinical Commissioning Group has confirmed that the vaccination site for Hemel Hempstead and Dacorum will open next week.

GPs will start to contact patients in Hemel Hempstead from tomorrow (Jan 1).

The NHS is prioritising those the Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) and government has decided will benefit the most – specifically over-80s, care home residents and staff.

Herts Valleys CCG is reminding residents to be patient and wait to be invited for their vaccine.

Corina Ciobanu, GP Chair for Dacorum Locality said: “Thanks to the incredible efforts of all GP surgeries locally as well as NHS staff and volunteers, the local vaccination centre covering Hemel Hempstead and Dacorum is opening next week with the first groups of eligible patients – those living and working in care homes and people aged 80 and over - being contacted from tomorrow.

“Over the last four weeks we’ve been working tirelessly to set up a safe, well-run vaccination site and we’re looking forward to inviting our first patients to receive their vaccine – and to extending our programme in the weeks and months ahead.”

Thousands of patients across Hertfordshire have been vaccinated in a matter of weeks.

Vaccines have been administered as they have become available and delivered to PCNs. The uptake in the county has been incredibly successful and Hertfordshire PCNs have administered the vaccines they have received.

Editor's note: An earlier version of this story included a reference to Fernville Surgery "not participating in the vaccination rollout". This was incorrect and we have been asked to make it clear that Fernville is fully engaged with other local practices in supporting the collaborative effort to deliver the vaccine to its patients alongside other Dacorum residents. We apologise for any confusion or upset caused and are happy to clarify the situation.