Bury’s first Covid community vaccination centre up and running

The fightback against coronavirus is truly on as the borough’s first community vaccination centre opened this morning (Tuesday 15 Dec) in Prestwich.

This is the first of several centres which will be set up across Bury over the coming weeks, in addition to those operating at hospitals for their patients.

From today, Bury residents aged 80 and above who are able to travel will be invited to receive the vaccine at Prestwich Walk-in Centre on Fairfax Road.

Residents who are eligible for the vaccine will be notified by their GP, either by letter or by phone – people should not turn up or call their GP until they are contacted.

Nationally, the vaccines will initially be given to priority groups identified by scientists and the Government as those who will benefit most – people aged over 80, and residents and staff in care homes – before being rolled out to other groups over the coming months. More details: here.

Lesley Jones, Bury’s director of public health, said: “This is what we’ve been waiting for – the arrival of a safe and effective vaccine, which people in our community can easily access. More than 300 people in Bury have lost their lives to Covid-19, and this vaccine will undoubtedly save many more from succumbing to this potentially fatal virus.

“This is only the start, however, and it will be some time before society can think about getting back to normal. This virus is very much still with us, which is why we must all continue to follow the guidelines to reduce its transmission - make space, cover your face, and wash your hands.”

Councillor Andrea Simpson, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “The arrival of a vaccine is truly great news and a real game-changer, and it’s only right that those who are most at risk of dying and those who look after them are first in the queue.

“But we cannot be complacent – it will take months for the vaccine to be rolled out across the country and to all age groups. Until then, we must keep our eyes on the prize – saving lives, protecting our NHS and getting daily life back to normal – and take the precautions which are now part of our daily life.”

And Dr Bini Kathuria, lead GP for the Prestwich centre, said: “We are proud to be the first location in Bury to offer Covid vaccinations to the community. All the staff have worked incredibly hard in a very short space of time to make this happen, and our colleagues across the borough are doing likewise to have more centres ready as soon as possible.

“This small piece of history will unquestionably save lives, and I urge all those who are eligible for the vaccination to book an appointment once they are contacted.”

More information about Covid testing, the Tier 3 rules and support for business is on the council’s website at www.bury.gov.uk

ENDS

Press release issued: 15 December 2020.