Still no Oxford vaccine available at Peterborough City Hospital - but thousands receive jab in city

The hospital has been named as a vaccine hub, and has been administering the Pfizer vaccine since December, with around 6,000 people getting the injection.

Dr Kanchan Rege, Chief Medical Officer/Deputy Chief Executive Officer said, “It has been an extremely busy month in our vaccination clinic and I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone in the vaccination team for the fantastic work they are doing. It has been extremely heart-warming to see those in the over 80 priority group and members of Team North West Anglia come to receive their vaccine. The clinic is a vibrant and positive area, highlighting the hope we all have that this vaccine will help us get out of this pandemic.

“Please may I just say however, that despite the hope given by this vaccine, we must continue to observe social distancing, wearing face masks and washing our hands to ensure we protect ourselves and those around us.”

However, despite the national roll out of the Oxford vaccine starting this week, North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust (NWANHSFT) - which also runs Hinchingbrooke and Stamford and Rutland Hospitals - are still currently only able to give the Pfizer vaccine.

The Oxford vaccine is easier to store, and is cheaper than the Pfizer drug.

A third vaccine, made by Moderna, has also been approved, but it is not expected to be rolled out until the spring.

Nearly 200 COVID patients are in NWANHSFT hospitals at the moment.

Caroline Walker, Chief Executive, for North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust, said: “I can confirm that sadly, 411 patients being cared for in our Trust have passed away since we began reporting Covid-19-related deaths. There have been 123 at Hinchingbrooke Hospital and 288 at Peterborough City Hospital. All patients were aged 30 to 98 years old and the majority of those had pre-existing health conditions. We are currently caring for 198 patients with Coronavirus in our hospitals.

"Our thoughts and condolences remain with the patients' families and loved ones at this difficult time."