The Ruby Country Medical Group have been pleased to announce they are now starting to invite 75-79 year old patients for their COVID-19 vaccines.

It was announced on Monday (January 25) that text messages and phone calls would begin for those patients that are part of the group, including Holsworthy, Stratton, Neetside, Bradworthy and Hatherleigh practices.

Some patients might be receiving letters this week asking them to call 119 to book their COVID vaccines. This is the NHS England line for Pharmacy and Mass vaccination sites – separate to the Ruby Country group.

If patients choose to, they are welcome to go to those sites, but the Ruby Country group are still offering vaccines as an ongoing process to all the JCVI Groups, and all current appointments will continue as planned.

They are advising those available to not call their own surgery trying to book after receiving the NHS England letter, as the booking system is different.

The group have sent out some letters to those over 80 year olds they could not contact last week, inviting them to call their Covid Line. This is only for those over 80s who have not yet been booked in at this time.