A new Covid-19 vaccination site has now opened at Morrisons, in Yeovil, one of the first pharmacy sites in Somerset to offer the jab. The launch of the new site is part of a national drive to protect the public from the virus and accelerate the roll out of the local vaccination programme.
The pharmacy-led site, managed by Pharmacy2U, the UK’s largest online pharmacy, will deliver pre-booked vaccination appointments between the hours of 8am and 8pm, seven days a week. The set up includes two marquees within the Morrisons car park, on Lysander Road in Yeovil.
In order for the vaccination to be delivered safely Pharmacy2U have increased their workforce and are ensuring social distancing can be adhered to on site.
People in the highest priority groups as identified by the Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation will be sent a letter by the NHS and invited to book their jab through the national booking service by phone, or online. People can choose to attend a large vaccination centre or a pharmacy service which is most convenient and accessible to them, or can also choose to wait to be called by their local GP surgery if they prefer.
Across Somerset, there are now 18 vaccination sites including the two large vaccination sites at Taunton Racecourse, the Bath and West Showground, two hospital hubs and 13 GP-led community sites.
Andy Heron, Joint Senior Responsible Officer for the Somerset Covid-19 Vaccination Programme, said “We’re really pleased to see the first pharmacy site set up in Somerset, supporting our local vaccination programme and helping to make the vaccine more accessible in local communities.
“We’d like to encourage everyone to book their vaccination appointment as quickly as possible when they are contacted by the NHS, so that we can continue to vaccinate as many people from our highest priority groups as quickly and safely as possible.”
On arrival at the new pharmacy site at Morrisons, people will be greeted by marshals who will ask them to park and wait to be called for the vaccination.
Phil Day, Superintendent Pharmacist at Pharmacy2U, said: “This is a vitally important service for people across the country, ensuring the most vulnerable in our communities get this vaccination and protect themselves against Covid-19. The NHS has been working above and beyond expectation for almost a year. We’ve been working hard to make sure we can offer these sites and to continue the incredible achievements of the NHS.”
Robert Brewis, Head of Pharmacy of Morrisons, added: “This vaccination programme is a critical national effort and we wanted to help. We’ve made our car parks available so vaccination stations can be set up in them over the coming weeks – for however long they are needed. And our store colleagues will facilitate everything that the vaccination teams need – to be able to do their important job.”
Healthcare teams across the county are working extremely hard to vaccinate the most vulnerable groups as quickly and safely as possible. Please be patient and the NHS will contact you directly when it is your turn – don’t call your GP surgery or local hospital to ask about your appointment.
People are asked not to turn up at the vaccination site without an appointment. It will not be possible to use the NHS Covid-19 Vaccination Booking Service if you have not received an invitation letter.
People are asked to support the NHS:
• Please don’t contact the NHS or visit any of our sites to ask about your vaccine, we will contact you;
• When we do contact you, please attend your booked appointments;
• And please continue to follow all the guidance to control the spread of the virus and save lives.
For more information on the NHS vaccination in Somerset please visit: https://nhssomerset.nhs.uk/health/local-services/health-services-during-coronavirus/covid-19-vaccinations-in-somerset/
For more information on the COVID-19 vaccine please visit: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/coronavirus-vaccine/