EVERY care home resident in Oldham will receive the Coronavirus vaccine by Friday.

The news comes as more than 13,000 vaccines are delivered across the borough to Oldham's most elderly and vulnerable residents, as well as to front-line workers.

The figure puts Oldham’s vaccine roll-out on track to vaccinate all top four priority groups by mid-February.

The groups include those aged over 70, frontline health and social care workers, and clinically extremely vulnerable people.

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Dr Zahid Chauhan, Oldham GP and cabinet member for health and social care at Oldham Council, said: "This vaccine is the best defence against Coronavirus alongside effective social distancing, wearing a face covering, and hand hygiene.

"It's also very important to remember that the vaccine is safe and has undergone months of rigorous testing and strict safety approval processes.

"I would therefore urge everyone invited for their vaccine, whether through GPs here in Oldham or through the regional site at the Etihad campus, to take up the offer and protect themselves.

"The vaccination programme is key to protecting people from this terrible virus and is crucial if we are all to return to our normal lives as soon as we possibly can."

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Six vaccination centres are now operational across Oldham, in addition to the Greater Manchester-wide vaccination centre at the Etihad campus.

Those registered with a GP in Oldham will be contacted directly from their practice or by an NHS representative when it is their turn to be vaccinated. The caller will not ask for money or any personal details other than for the name to be confirmed.

Mike Barker, Chief Operating Officer at NHS Oldham Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), has urged the public to wait to be contacted and not contact the NHS to seek a vaccine. He has also asked that people attend their appointment at the exact time they are asked to in order to avoid queues.

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Mr Barker, added: "Perhaps most importantly, please continue to follow all the guidance in place to control the virus and save lives, even if you have already had your vaccine. Coronavirus rates are coming down here in Oldham, but if we are to stop the spread, stay safe and save lives, we all need to keep playing our part."

More information on the rollout of the Coronavirus vaccine in Oldham is available online at: https://www.oldham.gov.uk/info/201170/coronavirus/2674/covid-19_vaccination_programme