Mass vaccination centre opens in Basingstoke
The town's fire station is being used with firefighters supporting the NHS
Last updated 1st Feb 2021
A large scale vaccination centre has opened at Basingstoke Fire Station. Firefighters there have been trained to vaccinate and supporting the NHS staff.
You must have an appointment to attend, and you're being asked to park sensibly to avoid obstructing the fire station which remains operational.
Speaking about the opening of the vaccination centre at Basingstoke Fire Station, Keith Jones, Basingstoke Station Manager, said:
“We are delighted that we are able to support the vaccine rollout here at Basingstoke Fire Station and play our part in protecting our local community from COVID-19.
“Our firefighters are adjusting our way of working as we prepare the site to fulfil the requirements of a vaccination centre.
“A lot of work has been undertaken with our health partners and across the entire organisation to reach this point and ensure that the fire service continues to make life safer.”
Hampshire Firefighter Ross Turner found himself giving a jab to a celebrity as local resident 71-year-old Alan Titchmarsh turned up for his vaccination!
Dr Dan Baylis, Chief Medical Officer at Solent NHS Trust, who are running all four of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight large-scale vaccination centres, said:
"We are really excited to be expanding the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination programme.
“COVID-19 continues to be the single biggest health emergency the NHS has ever seen; the vaccination is our way out of this pandemic and a return to normal. The scale of vaccinations happening every day across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight is thanks to the hard work and dedication of all the staff and volunteers involved. We are especially grateful to our partners who are offering mutual aid to helps us vaccinate as many people as possible.
“I would encourage everyone eligible to get vaccinated against COVID-19 when they are invited by the NHS.”
People who book into a vaccine centre will be greeted by a dedicated team of clinicians, vaccinators, administrative staff and volunteers who will help make a visit run as smoothly and safely as possible. Bookings are staggered to allow social distancing.
People will receive a health status check and a pre-vaccination assessment before they have their jab.