Second jab call following Blackburn with Darwen’s vaccine surge

People who received their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine during an accelerated vaccination push in Blackburn with Darwen are now being called back for their second jab.

More than 16,000 additional vaccines were given in May this year in response to rising infection rates and eight weeks later – 56 days to be exact – those who came forward at the time are now eligible for their second dose.

Several sites are now offering second doses – with walk-ins and pre-bookable appointments available. This is in addition to first doses of Pfizer and first/second doses of AstraZeneca.

These include:

• Pharmacy 2U, Ainsworth Street, Blackburn, BB1 6AR, 8.30am to 7.30pm, from July 8
• Blackburn Cathedral, Railway Road, Blackburn, 8.30am to 7.30pm, from July 12
• Pop up clinic Revidge Fold Church, Shear Brow, Blackburn, 8.30am to 7.30pm, from July 22 for two weeks
• Masjid-e-Saliheen Mosque,  Didsbury Street, Blackburn, BB1 3JL – 8.30am – 7.30pm - open now

The vaccination bus will also be revisiting locations across the borough providing second dose Pfizer vaccines to people in the area.

Mosques, colleges, leisure centres and community hubs are just some of the hyper-local venues the vehicle will be visiting for convenient and easy access to the vaccination.

The vaccination bus originally visited the areas in May and is now returning to the same locations to enable people to receive their second dose. Full details available at www.blackburnwithdarwenccg.nhs.uk

Jane Scattergood, Covid-19 Vaccination Director for Lancashire and South Cumbria, said:

“Back in May we saw an incredible turn out from people across Blackburn with Darwen coming forward for the vaccine and now is the time for everyone to come back and get that all-important second dose.

The Covid vaccines are two-dose vaccines so you must have both doses for maximum benefit and protection to you, your friends, and your family.

And to those who have not yet come forward for the vaccine – it is not too late to change your mind.  We will continue to make the offer available across all of our vaccination sites and with many offering walk-in appointments, getting your vaccine is easier than ever.”

Blackburn with Darwen Council is offering free parking at Weir Street and Penny Street, Blackburn. Free public transport is also available too – just tell the driver where you are going for your jab!

If you would prefer to book, for Pharmacy 2U and Blackburn Cathedral – call 119 or visit www.nhs.uk/covidvaccine, and for Didsbury Street Mosque and Revidge Fold Church, visit www.healthierlsc.co.uk/getmyjab

Please tell staff on-site if you have an appointment and you can skip the queue!

For more information on the Lancashire and South Cumbria Vaccination Programme, visit www.healthierlsc.co.uk/covidvaccination.