COVID-19 vaccination programmes will be delivered mainly through GP practices, it was announced last night.

Practices are likely to designate one building in each area as a vaccination centre, sending their patients to it for vaccination, the British Medical Association said. The BMA announced a deal with NHS England, promising that practices would have preparations in place by the end of the month. Practices will be able to opt out of the vaccination programme.

MPs were told earlier this week that there was a “small chance” of vaccinations being available by the end of the year – although at most there are only likely to be enough for 7% of the population. One of the leading vaccines requires specialist storage facilities providing temperatures of 70 degrees below zero.

BMA GP committee chair Dr Richard Vautrey said: “We are under no illusion that this will be an easy task. Not only are these very complex vaccines – for example they need special storage conditions – but a campaign of this scale will be a huge undertaking for practices already struggling to cope with the impact of the pandemic, as well as supporting the large number of patients with other healthcare concerns. GPs and their teams want to protect as many of their patients as quickly as possible, doing so safely and focusing on those most in need first. We can only do this with the help and support of local partners, and if everyone is patient and understanding as practices embark on this unprecedented campaign. There must also be clear communication from the Government and NHS England, clarifying what patients can expect and when.

“Practices can choose to take part in the programme and NHS England will need to work with us to ensure that suitable arrangements will be made for all eligible patients to be vaccinated and that we have the flexibility necessary to meet local needs. The campaign is likely to lead to changes in the way practices operate as they prioritise this vital work for our nation – but to be clear, all GP surgeries are open, as they have been throughout this pandemic.

“Patients should continue to contact their practice if they have a health concern either on the telephone or online, and whenever it is necessary arrangements for a face-to-face appointment will be made. GPs are here for you and working together we will get through this dreadful pandemic.”