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MP calls urgent meeting to address problems accessing booster jabs locally
15/12/2021
Victoria Prentis acknowledges that clinics in Oxford or Coventry are not viable options for some
Banbury’s MP has stepped in and called for an urgent meeting today to try to address the problems people are having accessing COVID booster vaccinations in the local area. For a number of days an increasing number of complaints have been circulating that the only option to have the jab involves traveling further afield, which for some is not practical.
Victoria Prentis says she has been contacted by “many” constituents who were concerned about the current availability of vaccine clinics in North Oxfordshire with some saying they found booking a jab locally extremely difficult.
Today Mrs Prentis and other local MPs will meet with local public health officials and the County Council Chief Executive to try to address the issue.
Mrs Prentis said: “I know that vaccination clinics in Oxford or Coventry are not viable options for some and yet are often the only options available. Those who have expressed concerns have asked me directly why there are not more appointments and walk-in clinics in Banbury.”
On Sunday night Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that he was accelerating the booster programme to enable everyone to have a jab. He brought forward the target completion date from the end of January to the end of this month.
Mrs Prentis acknowledged this saying: “In light of the rapid spread of the new omicron variant, it is vital that we protect our health service by rolling out booster vaccinations as quickly as possible. To achieve the national public health mission of offering every adult a booster jab before the New Year, we must make the process as accessible as possible.
“I have been speaking to Oxfordshire County Council daily to raise constituents’ concerns and have written to the Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group.
“It is important to look at conditions locally and work constructively to see where improvements can be made. I have therefore called for an urgent meeting tomorrow with local public health officials, the County Council CEO and my fellow Oxfordshire Conservative MPs to discuss local testing and vaccination provision.“
The meeting is due to take place this evening.
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam