New COVID-19 Vaccination Centre opens in Shrewsbury
A new large vaccination centre at Shrewsbury Indoor Bowls Centre has opened today (Thursday 4 February 2021).
Following the opening of the Vaccination Centre, Dean Carroll, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for adult social care, public health and climate change, said:-
“The NHS roll out of the vaccination programme marks a significant step forward in the fight against COVID-19. We are proud to have played our part by facilitating the vaccination centres at both Shrewsbury Indoor Bowls Centre next to Shrewsbury Sports Village, and Ludlow Racecourse.
“In recent weeks we have worked closely with our local NHS organisations, volunteers and other local partners to help them deliver the vaccination programme in Shropshire, and I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all those who have helped in the collective effort.
“In the meantime, we need to give the vaccines the best possible chance to succeed by continuing our efforts to stop the spread of the virus now by adhering to the current restrictions. This means following all the measures – keeping up the basics of hand-washing, social distancing and wearing face coverings in public spaces. It is also imperative that anyone who tests positive or who is identified as a close contact must self-isolate to prevent the spread of the virus.”
How can people access the new Vaccination Centre?
The NHS will write to eligible people offering them the opportunity to book an appointment at the new Vaccination Centre via the NHS COVID-19 Vaccination Booking Service. Letters will invite those eligible who live in reasonable travelling distance of the centre, and who haven’t already been vaccinated by their local GP-led community vaccination service or hospital hub.
The letter that people will receive also explains that if you can’t travel to a vaccination centre, or there is another reason you can’t book an appointment at the nearest vaccination centre, you can choose to wait until your local GP services contact you if they haven’t already. If this is your preferred option, you don’t need to do anything now – wait for your GP service to make contact.
If you receive a letter and already have an appointment booked to have your vaccination at a local GP service, please ignore the letter. There is nothing you need to do and please attend your appointment.
Nobody needs to contact the NHS, as people will be invited when it is their turn, and people cannot get vaccinated by just turning up.
People who book into Shrewsbury’s Vaccination Centre at Shrewsbury Indoor Bowls Centre will be greeted by colleagues who will marshal car parking and register them when they arrive. Bookings are staggered to allow social distancing, and people are urged to support the smooth running of the centre by not arriving more than 10 or 15 minutes before their appointment time. They will receive a health status check and a pre-vaccination assessment before they have their jab. The whole process should take under 30 minutes.
