At the end of this week, more changes will be seen in the Somerset COVID vaccination programme, as the large vaccination site at the Bath and West Showground moves to Haynes Motor Museum in Sparkford.
The last booked jabs to be offered at the site, will take place on Sunday 1 August. Walk-ins for anyone aged over 18 will also continue to be offered until 6pm on Sunday as planned for first and second dose AstraZeneca and Pfizer.
Over the next few weeks, work will take place on site in the Showering pavilion, in preparation for the Bath and West Country Festival. A pop-up COVID vaccination clinic will also be on offer for anyone who wants to walk-in and get their first or second Pfizer jab during the festival.
Thanks to the time and dedication of hundreds of GPs, nurses, vaccinators and volunteers, the local COVID vaccination programme has been a huge success in Somerset; with high uptake levels seen across all cohort groups.
Across the county, both first and second doses of the COVID vaccine will continue to be offered to everyone aged over 18, with more than 775,630 jabs given so far (as at 25 July 2021).
Joint senior responsible officer for the Somerset COVID vaccination programme, Andy Heron said “We are hugely thankful to the Bath and West Showground team for supporting us over the past seven months and to our dedicated vaccinators, support staff, and amazing volunteers who have all helped to ensure the smooth running of the site and the delivery of an incredible 75,000 jabs.”
“While we have seen high numbers of people take up the offer of a vaccination, there are still people who haven’t had their first dose yet. Getting both vaccinations is the best way of protecting yourself from serious illness from COVID-19 and it also helps reduce the risk of you spreading the virus that causes COVID-19.”
“We want to make it as easy as possible to get your jab and we’re really delighted that we can now offer more vaccination slots at the extended vaccination site at Haynes Motor Museum. “
Robert Drewett, Chairman of the Royal Bath and West Society said “We are extremely grateful for the work that the NHS have done in delivering vaccinations to Somerset residents and feel privileged to have played a part in providing a venue.”
“For anyone who still requires a vaccination, we would encourage them to visit the pop-up vaccination clinic which will be available at the Bath & West Country Festival on 27 – 29 August.”
The Haynes Motor Museum site already hosts a successful vaccination clinic led by the South Somerset East Rural PCN that will continue to offer weekend slots. The vaccination team from the Bath and West site will run additional vaccination clinics, Monday to Friday: 8.30am – 5.30pm starting from Thursday 5 August.
People will be able to continue to pre-book appointments for first and second dose Pfizer through the National Booking Service, or just walk-in, Monday – Friday during opening hours. Second doses can be given eight weeks from the first dose.
To check which weekend walk-in clinics are available please visit: Covid-19 vaccinations in Somerset – Somerset CCG
Caroline Upton, head of nursing and quality for the Somerset vaccination programme added “We are so proud of everyone who has helped our local vaccination programme – it’s been an incredible team effort and we’re really pleased that our existing vaccination team will be moving to the Sparkford location.”
“Our friendly team of volunteers and staff will be ready to welcome you on site from Thursday next week, so please book your jab – or just turn up.”
Chris Scudds, CEO of the Haynes Motor Museum said “We are very proud to be extending our collaboration and support for the NHS and the national vaccination programme. The Museum’s location is ideal, just minutes off the A303.”
“Most importantly, we are able to operate the Museum alongside the Vaccination Hub without any compromise to our visitor experience or safety. It has been an incredibly tough time for the heritage and visitor attraction sectors, and we are super excited to welcome the wider community on site through the vaccination programme and hope that many, whilst here, will discover our wonderful Museum and extraordinary collection of motor vehicles from around the world”
To book a vaccination appointment at the Haynes Motor Museum site Monday – Friday people should select the Somerset Motor Museum location and to book a weekend slot, people should choose South Somerset East Rural PCN (Haynes Motor Museum).
There are a broad range of vaccination sites in Somerset on offer through the National Booking Service including; large vaccination sites, GP-led community sites and an increasing number of new pharmacy-led sites.
People can book both first and second doses in advance by calling 119 or visiting: www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination. In addition there are a wide range of vaccination sites across the county that are holding walk-in clinics each week, in addition to pre-booked appointments.
