Community pharmacies come on board as Lancashire and South Cumbria steps up Covid-19 vaccine roll-out

Delivery of life-saving Covid-19 jabs will begin today at three new vaccine sites in Lancashire and South Cumbria to be run by popular high street community pharmacies – as the NHS accelerates the biggest vaccination programme in its history.

These new sites will support efforts to get the vaccine out to those in high-risk groups, as quickly as possible. Locations include a sports club and a leisure centre.

• Fleetwood Health and Wellbeing Centre, Fleetwood
• Moor Park Health and Leisure Centre, Blackpool
• AFC Fylde Stadium, Mill Farm, Wesham

The new pharmacy run sites join the large-scale vaccination centres in Blackburn, Blackpool, and Lancaster, 11 hospital hubs and 35 GP-led sites in rolling out the Lancashire and South Cumbria Covid-19 vaccination programme.

Jane Scattergood, nurse and Covid-19 vaccination director for Lancashire and South Cumbria, said:

“We have already made real progress in delivering the Covid-19 vaccine across Lancashire and South Cumbria. This will be expanded significantly as we ramp up delivery in the weeks ahead with our new pharmacy-led vaccine sites playing a key part. As trusted members of the local communities they serve, our pharmacy teams continue to work tirelessly to provide a vital service during this pandemic, often acting as the first port of call for expert health advice. So, it is fitting that they will have a critical role in delivering the Covid-19 vaccine.

I know there is a great deal of anticipation around the Covid-19 vaccine but remember all sites are operating on an appointment-only basis. To allow teams to operate safely and maintain social distancing please don’t arrive without booking first. The NHS will let you know when it’s your turn to have the vaccine.”

Kath Gulson, chief executive officer of Community Pharmacy Lancashire, said: 

“Community Pharmacy Lancashire represents 358 community pharmacies in Lancashire. We are pleased to see our pharmacists playing a role in delivering the Covid-19 vaccination programme alongside our GP colleagues and other providers, supporting local patients and communities.

Community pharmacy has a vital role in supporting the rollout of the Covid-19 vaccine.  We welcome the first wave of community pharmacies going live to support the national effort in delivering the programme.”

The new pharmacy operated sites will initially be vaccinating people aged 75 and over, who have received a letter inviting them to book an appointment on the national booking system, along with frontline health and social care staff. This is in line with prioritisation agreed at a national level.

The range of different locations available in Lancashire and South Cumbria means that people can choose the option that will work best for them once they are invited to book an appointment. Those who do not wish to have their jab at one of the large-scale vaccination centres or a pharmacy run site can wait to receive an invitation from their GP practice.