Army deployed in Manchester to help with surge vaccinations

A three week push to drive up vaccination rates across Manchester is set to begin, as efforts continue to vaccinate large sections of the population.

In line with the declaration of Greater Manchester as an ‘enhanced response area’ two weeks ago, additional resources have been made available to local authorities to support vaccination and testing.

Pop-up clinics in Belle Vue, Moss Side and Heaton Park have been set up, offering walk-ups for anyone wishing to attend.

These clinics will be running seven days a week, beginning from Saturday, June 26, running to Sunday, July 18.

As with other era areas, the medical professionals within the Army have supported the roll out of this programme.

The Belle Vue vaccination clinic is a portable NHS unit, called ‘Enterprise’, otherwise known as the ‘spaceship’ due to its unconventional shape when set up, and of course its famous name.

A free shuttle bus, nicknamed the 'space shuttle' will also be running to ferry people to and from the vaccination site in Belle Vue.

To attend there will be no GP registration required, no need to bring ID, and there will be no immigration checks.

These clinics are free to attend and it's open to Manchester residents aged 18+.

'A crucial period'

Councillor Joanna Midgley, Executive Member for Health and Care for Manchester City Council, said: “We are entering a crucial period in our vaccination roll out and it is vital that as many people as possible come forward for their vaccine.

“Both doses are essential to ensure you get the maximum protection from Covid-19 which is why so much work is going into making the vaccine as accessible as possible.”

Dr. Manisha Kumar, Medical Director for Manchester Health and Care Commissioning, said: “Having pop up events like this are a great way for us to focus on areas across Manchester, where we want to increase the number of people getting vaccinated.

“These sessions are of course free, and open to anyone over the age of 18. It is vitally important that people get vaccinated as they are the most effective way of avoiding serious illness and hospitalisation due to Covid-19.”

Clinic Details

Belle Vue

Belle Vue Sports Village

Pink Bank Lane, Manchester M12 5GH

Open to Manchester residents aged 18+

Open seven days a week from Saturday, 26 June until Sunday, 18 July

Open 09.00 to 20.00

Moss Side

Moss Lane East, Manchester M15 5NN

Open to Manchester residents aged 18+

Open seven days a week from Saturday 26, June until Sunday, 18 July

Open 09.00 to 20.00

Heaton Park

Golf Pavilion Car Park, Heaton Park M25 2SW (Entrance opposite Sainsbury's)

Pfizer and AZ first and second doses (if it has been 8 weeks since your first).

Dates and times:

Friday 25 June - 9.30am to 3.30pm

Wednesday 30 June - 9.30am to 3.30pm

Walk in or pre-book by calling 0800 092 4020 or 0161 947 0770. Lines are open Monday-Friday 8am-6pm

Shuttle Bus Information

COVID Vaccination Free Shuttle Service.

Commencing Saturday, 26 June.

Daily Hours of Operation of Shuttle, 0900-2100hrs, set route, no fares charged.

Stopping at normal bus stops on route where customers present (each route does have a number of ‘set stops’ though).