16/02/2022 - Permalink

Coronavirus: Thousands of jabs given at Shropshire Council shopping centre

Related topics: Coronavirus / Health / Partner organisations

Thousands of people received a COVID-19 vaccine at Shropshire Council’s Darwin shopping centre in just six weeks. 

A walk-in vaccination clinic on the top floor of the centre in Shrewsbury was opened in December 2021 in response to the Government’s target to offer every eligible adult a booster jab by the end of the year. 

A medic at Walk-in vaccination clinic at Shropshire Local, The Darwin shopping centre, Shrewsbury

Walk-in vaccination clinic at Shropshire Local, The Darwin shopping centre, Shrewsbury

In total, nearly 4,500 jabs were given, making it one of the most popular clinics in the county. 

Between 17 December 2021 and 29 January 2022, the vaccination team gave: 

  • 213 jabs for 12-15 year olds 
  • 522 1st doses 
  • 866 2nd doses 
  • 2,806 boosters 

High footfall in the town centre meant the walk-in clinic was popular with Christmas shoppers and saw queues of people waiting to grab a jab. 

Simon Jones, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for adult social care and public health, said:  

Having a walk-in clinic at the shopping centre was key to ensuring every eligible adult in Shropshire was offered a booster vaccine to protect themselves against the Omicron variant. The feedback from the public was so positive, we decided to keep the clinic open into the New Year to reach as many people as possible.  

The vaccine remains our best defence against COVID-19 so I am delighted that we were able to reach so many people in such a short period of time. It is vitally important as you are less likely to become seriously ill from the virus if you are fully vaccinated. 

I would like to say thank you to the Shropshire Council staff who worked tirelessly to get the clinic up and running within a matter of days and supported throughout. I am so pleased that we were able to support the vaccination programme and work alongside our brilliant NHS colleagues.

As of 24 January 2022, more than 1.1 million vaccine doses (including 1st, 2nd, 3rd and booster doses) had been given in Shropshire.  

Over 85% of eligible adults across the county have now received their booster jab and 82% of our eligible population have received at least two doses. 

It is not too late to get the vaccine, whether it is the 1st, 2nd or booster dose. You can book an appointment here or click here to find your nearest walk-in clinic. You may also spot Bob the vaccination bus in your town in the future.