ASSURANCES have been given over Covid-19 vaccine supplies across the Keighley district after a shortage limited the number of patients able to receive a jab.

Centres at Long Lee and Silsden had the capacity to vaccinate "many thousands more" last week, but were restricted due to supply.

Modality Partnership, which operates the sites, confirms there were issues obtaining sufficient vaccine.

But it says the vaccination programme is proving hugely successful and the supply situation is improving.

Dr Brendan Kennedy, executive GP partner at Modality, said the issue was raised with MP Robbie Moore when he visited the centres.

"We discussed how we need more vaccines – as we have the capacity to deliver many thousands more vaccinations per week," said Dr Kennedy.

"He was highly complementary of the efficiency of both sites and also recognised that our very successful model of recruiting volunteers to staff the vaccination hubs has led to minimal disruption to normal provision of day-to-day care and GP services to our patients."

Modality medical director, Dr Matt Curtis, said the partnership was looking forward to getting more people vaccinated quicker as supplies improved.

"We understand that it would not be equitable to give each practice the same number of vaccines regardless of their population," he added.

"Some practice groups will need more and some will be able to deliver them faster than others.

"My feeling is that parts of the country where there are higher levels of people over 80 who have still not received the first vaccination are rightly receiving more vaccines now, so that they can catch up.

"We have vaccinated almost 10,000 patients in January, which is a terrific start."

Mr Moore refuted some claims that vaccines are being diverted to other areas where the roll-out is slower.

He said: "Whilst I understand that there have been temporary issues around the national supply of the vaccine, I have received assurances from the Vaccine Minister that Yorkshire has continued to receive 13 per cent of the supply.

"Also, I have received assurances that no vaccines have been – or will be – diverted away from Yorkshire to other areas of the country during the roll-out.

"We are on course to have everybody in the top four priority groups scheduled in for their first dose of the vaccine by February 15, which is great news.

"I recently visited our local vaccination sites and their teams are performing a fantastic job. I cannot thank them enough for what they are doing for our community."

The vaccination programme locally has administered the jab to almost all over-80s, plus care home residents.

Now it is being extended to over-75s, over-70s and patients with serious health conditions.

Modality says that in order to make the booking process "as simple as possible", its patients who fall into those groups can email Awcmodality.covid@nhs.net to request an appointment – include your full name, date of birth and which GP practice you are with. Details of an appointment will then be provided when a clinic is available.

A spokesman said: "If patients don’t have email they do not need to worry. We are contacting all patients by phone who haven’t requested an appointment – we will not miss anyone.

"Also, we have a robust plan to vaccinate our housebound patients across Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven. Those patients can expect a call and visit in the next couple of weeks."

Tribute has been paid to the vaccination centre teams by Keighley town mayor Councillor Peter Corkindale, who is encouraging everybody to get their jab when invited.

He attended the Long Lee surgery on Friday to receive his vaccination.

"I urge everyone across the district to make sure they get the vaccination," said Councillor Corkindale, 73. "The set-up of the vaccination centres and the commitment of the staff and volunteers is top class."