WOW ‘Weekend of Walk-ins’ boost for North West vaccine programme

Covid-19 vaccination services across the North West are to stage a bumper Weekend of Walk-ins (WOW) to further increase the number of people with protection against Covid 19. 

The WOW weekend, which runs from the evening of Friday 18 June to Sunday, 20 June, aims to make it easier and more convenient than ever for eligible people who haven’t had their vaccine yet to come forward - crucially boosting the numbers of people receiving their first and second dose jabs.

It comes as the NHS works through the final cohorts to be called for their vaccine, with those aged 18 to 20-year-olds now able to book their vaccination. 

People will be able to choose from more than 15 mobile, pop-up and pharmacy-led vaccine sites across Lancashire and South Cumbria, with no appointment needed. Clinic dates and times vary - a full list of participating sites can be found here. 

Vaccines will be available on a first come, first-served basis and those with appointments at participating clinics will be able to continue to attend at their time slot and receive their vaccine as planned. 

The initiative will also support efforts to accelerate second doses for those aged 40 and over, health and social care workers, unpaid carers and people at higher clinical risk, who will be able to receive their second dose from 8 weeks after their first, instead of 12 weeks. 

More than 1.8 million doses of the Covid-19 vaccine have been given in Lancashire and South Cumbria since the vaccination programme – the largest in NHS history – launched six months ago. 

Lancashire and South Cumbria Vaccination Director Jane Scattergood, said:

"We’re in the final weeks of this historic drive to get everyone aged 18 and over their first Covid-19 vaccine, having already vaccinated more than 80​ per cent Lancashire and South Cumbria residents in only six months.We know that getting both doses is vital to maximising the positive impact of the vaccines, if you’re offered the chance to bring forward your second jab, please do so and most importantly come forward for both appointments and follow the tens of millions who have already got themselves this essential protection from Covid-19.”

Regional Director of Commissioning, Dr Linda Charles-Ozuzu, said:

“With the help of NHS staff, partners and volunteers, we’ve made incredible progress with the vaccine programme in the North West and we’re going to boost that success further still with our weekend of walk-ins. We know that younger people have busy work, family and social commitments – especially with the Euros football tournament taking place at the moment - and we want to make it as easy as possible for them to come forward quickly when they become eligible. We’d also love to welcome people in earlier cohorts who haven’t come forward yet to our walk-in vaccine sessions and if they’ve got any questions, they’ll be able to chat to one of the staff on-site first.”