One of Somerset's first Covid-19 pharmacy sites opens
It's at the Morrisons on Lysander Road in Yeovil
Last updated 30th Jan 2021
A new COVID-19 vaccination site has now opened at a Morrisons in Yeovil, becoming one of the first pharmacy sites in Somerset to offer the jab.
As part of a national drive to accelerate the rollout of the vaccine, the new site will operate between the hours of 8am and 8pm, seven days a week.
The set up includes two marquees in the stores car park, on Lysander Road in Yeovil.
It's being managed by the UK's largest online pharmacy, Pharmacy2U, who have increased their workforce for the site.
People will be contacted when it's time for their jab and are being urged not to just show up. They can then choose to attend a large vaccination centre or a pharmacy service which is more accessible to them.
Across Somerset, there are now 18 vaccination sites including the two large vaccination sites at Taunton Racecourse, the Bath and West Showground, two hospital hubs and 13 GP-led community sites.
Andy Heron, Joint Senior Responsible Officer for the Somerset COVID-19 Vaccination Programme, said “We’re really pleased to see the first pharmacy site set up in Somerset, supporting our local vaccination programme and helping to make the vaccine more accessible in local communities.
“We’d like to encourage everyone to book their vaccination appointment as quickly as possible when they are contacted by the NHS, so that we can continue to vaccinate as many people from our highest priority groups as quickly and safely as possible.”
On arrival at the new pharmacy site at Morrisons, people will be greeted by marshals who will ask them to park and wait to be called for the vaccination.
Phil Day, Superintendent Pharmacist at Pharmacy2U, said: “This is a vitally important service for people across the country, ensuring the most vulnerable in our communities get this vaccination and protect themselves against COVID-19. The NHS have been working above and beyond expectation for almost a year. We’ve been working hard to make sure we can offer these sites and to continue the incredible achievements of the NHS.”
Robert Brewis, Head of Pharmacy of Morrisons, added: "This vaccination programme is a critical national effort and we wanted to help. We've made our car parks available so vaccination stations can be set up in them over the coming weeks - for however long they are needed. And our store colleagues will facilitate everything that the vaccination teams need - to be able to do their important job.”