WORK has started today on vaccinating frontline NHS staff to protect them against Covid-19.

Scarborough Hospital joined the national effort by vaccinating staff with the Pfizer/BioNTech Covid vaccine.

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

Following government recommendations, staff will receive two doses of the Covid-19 vaccine, up to 12 weeks apart.

York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is looking to vaccinate about 5,000 staff a week, which will include staff from neighbouring NHS organisations.

Polly McMeekin, director of workforce and organisational development at the trust, said: “Getting vaccinated will help protect staff and those they care for. The vaccine should help reduce the rates of serious illness and save lives, and in turn reduce pressure on the NHS.

“Our staff are our most valuable asset and anything we can do to ensure their health and wellbeing is our top priority.

"The Covid vaccination programme is a positive step along with other measures already implemented across the Trust that will help to keep our staff safe and well, allowing them to do what they are brilliant at - looking after patients and continuing to be there for everyone who needs care.”