No rest for COVID 19 vaccination teams between Christmas and New Year

If you think the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent COVID-19 vaccination programme goes on holiday on Christmas Eve you’d be wrong. Vaccinators are taking Christmas Day and Boxing Day off and then they’re right back to work, even though Monday 27 and Tuesday 28 are Bank Holidays. Vaccinations are taking place in a wide variety of locations, with a number of pop-up vaccination centres where you don’t need an appointment to get a booster, or a first or second dose. One pop-up that will run on all five days between January 27 – 31 is a partnership between the NHS and Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service at their Pirehill site near Stone. Dr Paddy Hannigan Clinical Lead for the Vaccination Programme across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent said: “We won’t be binge-watching our new box sets or desperately trying to finish off the turkey in ever more imaginative ways between Christmas and New Year. We’ve got jabs to deliver and we’re doing that with our partners and our fantastic team of volunteers.” Station Manager Richard Williams and Nicola Sherwood of the Targeted Vaccination Team talk about the vaccination centre at Pirehill Nicola Sherwood, Operations Lead of the Targeted Vaccination Team said: “My team will be here at Pirehill from December 27 onwards helping to protect the community. If you have any anxieties just come along and talk to us.” Station Manager Richard Williams, who is the COVID-19 lead within Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We are pleased to be able to support our communities across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent in making coronavirus vaccines more accessible to help protect everyone. “We will continue to work closely with partners and colleagues across the region to support the vaccine and booster jab effort.” Everyone over the age of 18 who is eligible is now able to get a booster, and first and second shots are also available. Appointments for vaccines can be booked online through the National Booking System by visiting www.nhs.uk, or by calling 119. People should not contact their GP surgery about making vaccine appointments. Up-to-date details and times for all other Staffordshire COVID-19 vaccination walk-in clinics can be found at https://www.twbstaffsandstoke.org.uk/coronavirus/how-to-get-a-vaccine-where-and-travelling.