Vaccination centre opens in Downton

In a bid to try make jabs accessible to more people in Wiltshire, a vaccination centre in Downton opened its doors today.

The Day Lewis Pharmacy on the High Street was approved earlier this month by the NHS to become part of the vaccination programme.

Staff aim to vaccinate a minimum of 1,000 people every week.

Pharmacists and colleagues from the Day Lewis team, alongside volunteers, are managing the roll out.

Jay Patel, Executive Director Day Lewis Pharmacy Group, said:

"We are very grateful for the opportunity to support the national effort against Covid-19 by running the programme in our Day Lewis Pharmacy in Downton.

We would like to thank all our colleagues and volunteers involved in setting up this local service. Community Pharmacies across the country have been open to the public throughout the pandemic, serving the needs of patients in local communities. They all deserve our thanks and support."

Previously, residents were being invited to centres in Salisbury to get their vaccine.

Elizabeth Phelps, NHS Volunteer said:

"It's great news for the community of Downton that they will be able to have their COVID vaccination in their own neighbourhood."

Patient bookings will be handled by the NHS central booking system and those that qualify will be contacted by the health service.

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• wiltshire
• covid-19
• vaccination centre