The NHS and Liverpool Council’s ‘grab a jab’ scheme has launched with a drop-in vaccination centre open in Wavertree Matalan.
Shoppers can walk in without an appointment and get one of their jabs, including the booster. Vaccines will be available on Saturday February 5, from 9am–5pm.
Liverpool residents aged over 16 can get all three jabs and first and second jabs, while 12-15s are eligible for first and second jabs.
Matt Ashton, Director of Public Health for Liverpool, said: “We’re really pleased to improve access to vaccination in an area of our city where take-up has been lower.”
Around 100,000 people got their jab in Liverpool during December alone but Wavertree is currently behind the average. Organisers are hopeful of strong uptake so the area can catch up. There is still a regular flow of people taking their first jab.
Staff in the centre are passionate about getting jabs in the community. Dr Kerrie, the GP on site, told MerseyNewsLive: “It’s not just about preventing people contracting COVID, it lowers the chance of being seriously ill.”
The NHS are eager to reassure those still nervous about the jab. Local GP, Dr Fiona Lemmens said: “You can also come along to speak to a member of staff, who will be happy to discuss the benefits and anything you might be worried about. We really do want to help people to make informed choices.”
Queues have been stretching all the way out of the store at opening times but people were quickly receiving their jabs upon entry. After an hour or two there will often be no wait at all.
There are also a range of other local drop-in clinics happening daily across the city here: www.liverpoolccg.nhs.uk/drop-in-vaccination
Or pre-book at: www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination or by calling 119.
