There is concern over a reliance on GPs in giving the Covid-19 jab
(Picture: PA Wire)A social care leader is worried a doctor shortage will compromise the latest Covid-19 booster jab rollout.
All over-50s and vulnerable groups are set to receive the omicron-specific jab from September 5. But Nadra Ahmed, the leader of the National Care Association, has raised fears that “there is no one to deliver” the inoculation.
Ms Ahmed told the i on Saturday that she wanted health secretary Steve Barclay to provide more funding for primary care this autumn.
She also expressed fears that some GPs will simply not bother administering the vaccine because of issues.
“We’re heavily reliant on GP surgeries getting the vaccine and coming to our services to give it to residents,” she said.
“There will be some GPs who say they’re not going to bother doing it. That’s how I feel, because they have shortages of staff and other problems.”
She added that the care sector wants GPs coming into their homes to vaccinate staff at the same as residents. She said they are waiting for clarification on this.
NHS England has written to all surgeries outlining the booster programme, which will happen this autumn. Bookings for the jab for over-75s, they said, can be made from September 5 - while all vaccination sites are set to be operational by September 19.
For others ages over 50, the NHS will announce “in due course,” when bookings can be made.
Steve Barclay tweeted: “On September 5, we’re launching our autumn Covid booster programme.
“Vaccines are the best defence against the virus and will ease pressure on the NHS over winter, so when contacted by the NHS, do get your jab.”
