The COVID-19 vaccination programme has gained further momentum in Barnsley this week as over 70 staff from Mapplewell Manor Care Home became the first care home staff in the borough to receive the ground-breaking vaccine at Barnsley’s GP-led vaccination service in Goldthorpe.

Staff from Mapplewell Manor, rated outstanding in February this year, received their first dose of the life-saving COVID-19 vaccine thanks to the huge effort across the NHS to protect people from the virus.

GP practices have been contacting people in the priority groups when it is their turn to receive the vaccine, starting with people aged 80 and over, and now care home staff have started to join that group.

Mapplewell Manor home manager Karen Hugill responded to the news that her team would be getting the vaccine and said: “I’d like to thank the NHS and council staff for the amazing job they are doing and support they have given us. I am so proud of my staff and the hard work we have all done throughout this year.” 

Cllr Jenny Platts, Cabinet Spokesperson for Adults and Communities at Barnsley Council said: "I am delighted that we have been able to start to vaccinate our dedicated front-line workers who have worked incredibly hard throughout the pandemic.

"This now allows our care homes staff to continue with their vital work with another added layer of protection, helping keep their residents safe as well as themselves.”

Julia Burrows, Director for Public Health for Barnsley said: "This is a really positive and monumental step to protect our vulnerable care home residents and staff.

"We will be continuing to roll vaccinations out to priority groups in the coming months and will share updates around the program as we receive them.

"We must all continue to follow the rules to protect our families, friends and communities: Isolate and get a test at the first sign of any symptoms, including a new continuous cough; a high temperature; or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste. Follow the Hands, Face, Space guidance – regularly wash your hands, wear a face covering and stay two metres apart from people who are not part of your household."

GP practices across the borough have come together to rapidly to redesign selected NHS sites in Barnsley which can put in place safe measures to meet the tough logistical challenges of offering the vaccination.

People will be contacted by their GP over the coming months. Please do not contact your practice to try and book an appointment even if people in the same age group are being offered it. 

More information on the COVID 19 vaccine can be found at www.nhs.uk/covidvaccine