New large Covid-19 vaccination centre opens in Suffolk
It's one of two to open in the county this week
Last updated 12th Mar 2021
Another large Covid-19 vaccination centre is opening in Suffolk today (12 March).
The site at the current West Suffolk Council offices on College Heath Road, Mildenhall, will begin giving jabs to over 55s.
The centre is being run by the Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, which is in charge of all large centres in Suffolk and Essex.
Tomorrow (13 March) another site will open at Unity Trust Offices on Park Road, Haverhill, and will be the 13th large centre to open in the two counties.
Dr Ed Garratt, Chief Executive of Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care System, said: "The opening of these new centres will undoubtedly strengthen the vaccination drive, which is already going incredibly well and will enable everyone in phase one priority groups to be offered a vaccination by the mid-April.
"I’m incredibly proud of what the staff and volunteers have achieved so far and know their continued hard work will help us in our fight against Covid-19."
Councillor John Griffiths, Leader of West Suffolk Council, added: "West Suffolk has, with partners, been at the forefront of the response to Covid-19 helping the NHS where we can and delivering key services. We are really pleased to be able to play our part in the vaccination programme by providing facilities in our Mildenhall offices.
"We urge anyone who is eligible to have their vaccine and to continue following the hands, face, space guidance to help protect the NHS and save lives."
The opening of the new centres come as the NHS launches text message alerts for over 55s and unpaid carers prompting them to book an appointment.
Text messages will be displayed as being sent from 'NHSvaccine' and people are urged to ignore any that do not show that title.
The NHS is asking people to only come to vaccination centres if they have an appointment booked.