Blackpool Winters Gardens and other venues to be used as mass vaccination clinics

You’re probably more used to seeing spectacular performances and specialised conferences at Blackpool Winter Gardens. 

 

As of today however, it is open as a COVID-19 mass vaccination centre.  People aged 70 and over as well as those seriously vulnerable will be invited to a book a slot at the prestigious venue.

 

Blackpool Victoria Hospital and many local GPs are already vaccinating people. Public health director Dr Arif Rajpura said the jabs' roll-out represented a "light at the end of the tunnel". 

 

The Winter Gardens is owned by Blackpool Council. Parking at East Topping Street Car Park will be free of charge for an hour for those getting the injection.

 

Dr. Rajpura expressed his appreciation in the following statement, 

 

"I am delighted the vaccination programme is gathering pace and the council can support us by putting our venues to good use - I would like to personally thank all those staff involved”.

 

Dr. Rajpura however gives us some wise advice following a vaccine, 

 

"It is also important to remember that, even when vaccinated, it can take three weeks for that vaccination to become effective. Even then we need to remain cautious for a little longer and still need to continue to follow all the guidance on social distancing, wearing a face covering, washing hands and isolating."

 

Jane Scattergood, Covid-19 vaccination director, makes us aware that there will be subsequent clinics open as the weeks progress, 

 

 "We are planning for more vaccination centres and pharmacy sites to go live in Lancashire and South Cumbria over the coming weeks."

 

As well as the Winter Garden, Moor Park Leisure Centre and Blackburn Cathedral are also open as a vaccination clinic. 

 

She asked people to wait to be contacted about their vaccination appointment and to avoid contacting their GPs.

 

Council leader Lynn Williams said the Winter Gardens, which will be one of the biggest vaccination centres in England, was "playing a part in the colossal fight against this virus".

 

^Alex Ashworth CCG UK Blogger