Disruption to vaccine supply is disappointing and frustrating – but GPs will continue their ‘incredible work’ to protect as many people as possible, says College

The College has responded to the latest news about a temporary disruption to the COVID vaccine programme for those under 50 and without pre-existing health conditions.

Professor Martin Marshall, Chair of the Royal College of GPs, said: “General practice teams, along with colleagues across the NHS, should be incredibly proud of the work they have done to give more than 25m patients the first dose of their vaccine, protecting them from Covid-19.

"The ability of GPs and our teams to deliver the Covid-19 vaccination programme, and the speed at which we can do it, is dependent on vaccine supply. This disruption to supply is disappointing and will understandably be frustrating for patients, as it will be to GP teams running vaccination sites who want to protect as many people as quickly as possible – but we continue to receive assurances that this delay is temporary, and the vaccination programme remains on target.

"What remains vital is that vaccine sites receive current and reliable information about when they will receive vaccine supply - and that any last minute changes are kept to a minimum - so that GPs and our teams can make the necessary preparations to ensure that programme continues to run as smoothly as possible, with the supplies available.

"Where there is supply, GPs and our teams will continue to vaccinate, and reach out to those who have been invited but not yet come forward. We would urge any patient who has been invited for their vaccine to get their jab - this is the best protection we have against this terrible virus, and life getting back to normal."

Further information

(For media only)

RCGP Press office – 020 3188 7633/7494/7574
Out of hours: 020 3188 7659 
press@rcgp.org.uk

Notes to editor

The Royal College of General Practitioners is a network of more than 52,000 family doctors working to improve care for patients. We work to encourage and maintain the highest standards of general medical practice and act as the voice of GPs on education, training, research and clinical standards.