CHESHIRE AND MERSEYSIDE STEP UP COVID VACCINE ROLL OUT

Delivery of lifesaving Covid-19 jabs will begin today at pharmacies in Crewe, Alsager and St Helens as the NHS accelerates the biggest vaccination programme in its history.

These new venues will support efforts to get the vaccine out to those in high risk groups, as quickly as possible.  

Hollowood Vaccinating Centre at 146 West Street, Crewe, Hollowood Chemist Centre 21 Westend Road, Haydock, St Helens and 25 Lawton Road Alsager will begin vaccinating from Monday 25^th January 2021. 

The new pharmacy run sites join the 73 vaccination sites already in operation across Cheshire and Merseyside which are available to priority groups by appointment. People will be contacted when it is their turn to be vaccinated.

Dr Jackie Bene, Chief Officer for Cheshire and Merseyside Health and Care Partnership, said: “NHS organisations have worked really hard to make vaccines available to people in the priority groups across Cheshire and Merseyside over the last few weeks – an incredible achievement which I thank them. We will continue to ramp up delivery in the weeks ahead with our new pharmacy-led vaccine sites playing a key part. Local pharmacy teams continue to work tirelessly to provide a vital service during this pandemic, often acting as the first port of call for expert health advice and they will have a critical role in delivering the vaccine within their communities”. 

Mr Raj Patel MBE, added, “I am delighted that we are able to play a vital role in the vaccine programme. We know our local community and we are pleased that we are able to help in the battle against the virus. Vaccination is the best way to return to any sense of ‘normal’. Something we are all looking forward to. I know there is a great deal of anticipation around the Covid-19 vaccine but remember we are operating on an appointment only basis. To allow our teams to operate safely and maintain social distancing please don’t arrive without booking first. The NHS will let you know when it's your turn to have the vaccine.” 

The new pharmacy operated sites will initially be offering the vaccine to residents in care homes, those aged over 80 and frontline health and social care workers alongside those who are clinically extremely vulnerable or ‘shielded’ in line with prioritisation agreed at a national level. With good progress being made across these groups, the focus is now beginning to shift to people aged 70 and over. 

The range of different locations available in Cheshire and Merseyside means that people can choose the option that will work best for them once they are invited to book an appointment. Those who do not wish to have their jab at the mass vaccination centre, or a pharmacy run site can wait to receive an invitation from their GP Practice.