Frontline staff at York Hospital will start to be vaccinated against coronavirus from tomorrow.

The hospital says the roll-out of vaccinations will protect staff and 'may help to protect those they care for'.

"The vaccine should help reduce the rates of serious illness and save lives and will therefore help reduce pressure on the NHS,” a hospital spokesperson said.

Just last week, the hospital revealed it was under 'growing pressure' as the number of Covid-positive patients being treated continued to rise to levels similar to those seen in the first wave of the pandemic.

Deputy chief operating officer Melanie Liley also revealed  that 96 staff were absent for ‘Covid-related reasons’ across York Hospitals Trust - which includes both York and Scarborough. She apealed to members of the public to 'play a part in reducing the spread of coronavirus’ by complying with lockdown restrictions and hygiene advice.

Today's news that roll-out of the Covid vaccine is about to begin for frontline hospital staff is very welcome, therefore. 

Hospital staff who work with patients will be the first priority, alongside vulnerable staff and those who have been shielding.

Eventually, however, all staff who wish to be vaccinated will receive two doses of the Covid-19 vaccine, up to 12 weeks apart.

"We anticipate roll out of the programme for staff to be complete around Easter time," a hospital spokesperson said.

The hospital has not yet confirmned which version of the vaccine will be given to its staff.

The spokesperson said: “Following extensive trials, two safe and effective vaccines for Covid-19 have now been approved by regulators and are available for use.

"As such, appointments for our staff to receive the Covid-19 vaccine will begin on Tuesday January 5 at York and Scarborough hospitals.

“Vulnerable staff and those who were shielding have been prioritised as an initial priority group, along with patient-facing frontline healthcare workers because of their heightened risk of exposure to the virus.

"As we receive further supplies of the vaccine we will ensure that all staff who wish to be vaccinated will have the chance to do so.

“Following Government recommendations staff will receive two doses of the Covid-19 vaccine, up to 12 weeks apart. We anticipate roll out of the programme for staff to be complete around Easter time.

“By getting vaccinated it will help protect staff and may help to protect those they care for. The vaccine should help reduce the rates of serious illness and save lives and will therefore help reduce pressure on the NHS.”