Major vaccine boost for North West as NHS roll out weekend walk in clinics

Health bosses in the North West have set up dozens of walk in vaccination centres this weekend across the region.

It's hoped the clinics, which will deliver first and second doses to people on a first come first served basis, will drive a boost in uptake.

The WOW (Weekend of Walk-Ins) campaign began on Thursday but will peak on Saturday and Sunday with over 30 clinics across the North West delivering Pfizer and Astra Zeneca vaccines.

You can find out where your nearest clinic is by clicking here.

It comes after yesterday's announcement that all adults are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.

So far more than eight million doses of the jab have been administered across the North West, 73% of people have had their first dose and over 54% are now fully vaccinated.

Vaccines will be available on a first come, first served basis and those with appointments at participating clinics will be able to attend at their timed slot and receive their vaccine as planned.

The initiative will also support efforts to accelerate second doses for those aged 40 and over, health and social care workers, unpaid carers and people at higher clinical risk, who will be able to receive their second dose from 8 weeks after their first, instead of 12.

Regional Director of Commissioning, Dr Linda Charles-Ozuzu, said: “With the help of NHS staff, partners and volunteers, we’ve made incredible progress with the vaccine programme in the North West and we’re going to boost that success further still with our weekend of walk-ins.

“We know that younger people have busy work, family and social commitments – especially with the Euros football tournament taking place at the moment - and we want to make it as easy as possible for them to come forward quickly when they become eligible.

“We’d also love to welcome people in earlier cohorts who haven’t come forward yet to our walk-in vaccine sessions and if they’ve got any questions, they’ll be able to chat to one of the staff on site first.”

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