Family concerned after vulnerable Doncaster 99-year old offered jab miles away at York or Manchester mass vaccination centre

Frances Spriggs, from Highfields, has visits from a carer after having broken an elbow recently and struggles with mobility.

But her son, John Spriggs was stunned when she received a letter asking her to book an appointment at a mass vaccination centre either in Manchester or York – many miles from her home.

The family was becoming concerned that Frances had still not been vaccinated at a time when the Government has said it is now starting to immunise those aged over 70, leading to fears she may have been overlooked.

The letter invited her to book an appointment online. But when John did it for her, the nearest options where Manchester or York.

He went to his nearest vaccination centre, in Woodlands, and raised his concerns there – where he was told they expected his mum would be vaccinated through a home visit.

Following that he visited her local GPs, Carcroft Health Centre, to ask what was happening. He understands she is now on their list, but has no date for when the visit will be.

"I told them she must be their oldest patient,” said John. “The Government is now saying they're starting on over 70s, and my mum keeps asking us when she’ll get her vaccine. It’s the logistics that’s wrong.”

Dr David Crichton, a Doncaster GP and chairman of the Doncaster NHS Clinical Commissioning Group, said there had been a delay on vaccinating housebound patients because the Pfizer BioNtech jab had needed to be stored at -70C and came in packs of 975.

He said: “When the second vaccine arrived, It gave more flexibility. We have now had the guidance letter that allows us to use the vial at multiple locations, from house to house.”

He said vulnerable people had to be vaccinated by February 15 and all would be contacted. A list of frequently asked questions is on the Doncaster CCG website.

He added all residents in care homes in the borough that did not have any current Covid cases were due to be vaccinated by the end of this weekend.

Vaccines started in Doncaster on December 15.

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