Seaton patients to receive second dose of COVID vaccine this week

Seaton and Colyton patients who received their COVID-19 jab before Christmas will be getting their second vaccination as scheduled this week, despite national news stories reporting that they may be delayed.

Recipients of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine had previously been told there would be a three-week gap between doses, with many already booked in for their second jab.

But the government then announced a change to its COVID vaccination strategy, saying second doses of the newly-approved Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine and the Pfizer/BioNTech jab would now be given up to 12 weeks after the first dose.

The government said it hoped the approach would free up more doses and mean as many people as possible would soon get their first jab and have some protection against the disease.

Despite the news, both Seaton & Colyton Medical Practice and Townsend House Medical Centre in Seaton have confirmed that its vaccination clinics today (Tuesday) and tomorrow, to deliver the second dose to patients who had their first dose two weeks ago, will go ahead as planned.

A statement from Seaton & Colyton Medical Practice said: "If you have a COVID vaccination booked for January 5 or 6, to confirm you will still be receiving your vaccination, so please can you attend at the time sent to you by the practice.

"We are receiving a high volume of calls regarding COVID vaccinations. Please do not contact the practice, we are following NHS guidelines and we will be in touch to offer an appointment to the current priority groups as soon as possible.

"Thank you for your cooperation and understanding."

Townsend House Medical Centre released a similar statement, saying it was experiencing an "unprecedented" number of calls; those who already had a vaccine appointment should attend as scheduled and others should wait to be contacted.

Axminster patients who also received their first vaccine before Christmas at Seaton Hospital will also be receiving their second dose as scheduled.