A big push to get as many people as possible protected against COVID-19 takes place this weekend with a series of walk-in vaccination clinics opening across Stoke-on-Trent.
Anyone aged 18 or over will be able to arrive without an appointment and will be vaccinated on a first come-first-jabbed basis.
People can turn up to get their first jab. And the initiative will also offer second vaccinations for people aged over 40 years old, health and social care workers, unpaid carers, and people at higher clinical risk, from eight weeks after their first dose instead of the initial 12 weeks.
Dr Paddy Hannigan, Clinical Lead for the Vaccination Programme in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent said: “We are making these centres available on a no-appointment basis to boost the uptake as we work to get every eligible person vaccinated as soon as possible.
“Some clinics will cater exclusively for people aged over 40 years old (AZ) while others will concentrate on younger people (Pfizer or Moderna). The message is simple, ‘if you haven’t been vaccinated yet the time to do it is now’. If you are unsure of anything there are staff to talk to you and a range of information available.”
The following walk-in vaccination clinics are open:
Site: Hanley Equalities Community Centre, ST1 4DU
Open: Saturday 26th June 10.30am – 3.30pm and Sunday 27th June 10.30am – 3.30pm.
For: AZ for over 40s (first and second doses) and Moderna (Under 40s – first and second doses).
Site: Birches Head Medical Centre, Diana Road, Birches Head, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 6RS
Open: Saturday 26th June 9am – 3pm
For: Over 40-year-olds Only – 1st & 2nd Doses 8 weeks+ (AZ) and Under 40-year-olds (Pfizer)
Site: Smallthorne Branch Surgery, ST6 1SA
Open: Saturday 26th June 9am – 12noon.
For: Over 40-year-olds only – 1st & 2nd Doses 8weeks+ (AZ)
Paddy said: “COVID-19 cases are still higher than we want to see, and the best way to stop the spread is for everyone to get vaccinated. The vaccines are all effective and safe so do not delay.”
People presenting for a second dose of COVID protection must receive the same type of vaccine as their first dose.
Anyone who has already booked an appointment for a first or second jab should stick with the appointment.
People can also book an appointment through the national booking system online or by calling 119.