Covid-19 vaccine appointments made easier
People over 70 in Wiltshire no longer have to wait for invites to get a coronavirus jab
Last updated 6th Feb 2021
From today (Saturday 6 Feb 2021) any person who falls within one of the top four priority groups, including over 70's, health and care workers and the clinically extremely vulnerable, can book a jab without waiting for an invitation to do so.
This applies to people living in Swindon and Wiltshire, Bath and North East Somerset, who are eligible for a coronavirus vaccine, but haven't yet been contacted have confirmed an appointment.
Appointments can be arranged through the national booking system, which is available online here www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19 or on the phone by calling 119.
Alternatively, people can contact their GP for an appointment at a community-based vaccination site.
VACCINE JABS AT SALISBURY CITY HALL
People choosing the national booking system will have the option of making an appointment at the vaccine clinics based at the large vaccination centres at Salisbury City Hall or Bath Racecourse, or at a number of local pharmacies which are now providing the vaccine.
JABS AT LUDGERSHALL PHARMACY
The three pharmacies providing this service are the Pharmacy in Ludgershall, Avicenna Pharmacy in Swindon, and Shaunaks Pharmacy in Westbury.
Other vaccination sites in neighbouring counties, which may be more convenient for people living near county boundaries, are also available.
By allowing eligible people to be proactive with their appointment booking, it is hoped any local residents who have yet to be contacted with details of how to get the vaccine can receive the jab without waiting longer than necessary.
Gill May, Director of Nursing and Quality at the NHS Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group, said:
"Our vaccination programme has so far been a great success, with more than 130,000 vaccines given out since the beginning of December, which includes all care home residents and more than 93 per cent of people aged over 80."
"By giving those people who fall into one of the top four priority groups the option to book their appointment without having first received a letter, we hope to shorten the time it takes for those most vulnerable to get protected."
More information about the local vaccination programme, including a list of all current vaccine sites, can be found online here www.bswccg.nhs.uk