Reading Covid vaccination clinic previously for those in surge testing areas opens to ALL adults

The programme has been expanded to cover anyone in the town who has not yet had a jab

Author: Carol MusgravePublished 22nd Jun 2021
Last updated 22nd Jun 2021

All unvaccinated adults in Reading can now get a first dose vaccine without an appointment, at the Borough Council civic offices.

The extra programme, run by the Council and the NHS, launched on Thursday 17 June and will run until Sunday 27 June.

The centre - in Bridge Street RG1 2LU - was initially open for people aged 18 and over living in the areas of Reading undergoing 'surge testing' who had not had any doses of a vaccine.

It is now expanding to cover all adults living, working or studying in the town.

The clinic is open from 9.30am to 8.30pm every day. No appointment is needed.

People are reminded there is no parking on site - the nearest parking is at the Oracle shopping centre.

Those coming for a vaccination should bring a mask to wear in the building and, where possible, ID showing they live, work or study in Reading.

Checklist for those hoping to get a vaccine at Reading Borough Council Civic Offices as part of the extra vaccination programme:

You must be 18 or over

You should live, work or study in Reading

You must not have had ANY doses of a vaccine (to book a second dose, call 119).

Don't come to the centre if you have Covid-19 symptoms or have had a positive test in 28 days

Check Reading Borough Council's Facebook and Twitter feeds for updates

Cllr Jason Brock, Leader of Reading Borough Council, said: "We've had a magnificent response to the first five days since the service opened, with more than 750 people getting their first jabs, and we are delighted to be able to expand it to include all unvaccinated adults in Reading.

"We are appealing to all adults in the Borough to come out and get their first jab. It's so important to protect yourself, your family and friends, and your communities.

"We've worked with the NHS to set up this great opportunity in Reading, and I am sure we will see a lot more people coming along in coming days."

Sanjay Desai, Associate Director of Medicines Optimisation, Berkshire West CCG said: "We know that people who have not been vaccinated are more likely to become ill or even be hospitalised as a result of contracting the Delta variant of COVID.

"The Delta variant is spreading in Reading and that's why we're offering this extra vaccination programme - to ensure people in the most affected areas can be better protected.

"So if you are 18 or over and haven't had any doses of the vaccine, please do come forward. This will help to reduce the spread of the infection and move us in the right direction to getting life back to some normality."

More information is available at: www.reading.gov.uk/vaccinenow

People aged 18 and over can also book a Covid-19 vaccination at a mass vaccination centre through the NHS website.

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