​Full steam ahead - 300 receive Covid vaccinations on first day

Some 300 people were given the coronavirus jab on the first day of opening at the borough’s first vaccination centre in Prestwich yesterday.

Further centres are to open in Bury in the coming days and weeks as the vaccinations are rolled out to thousands more.

Health professionals say the system ran smoothly on the first day, and had excellent feedback from those who were vaccinated.

But they remind residents that only those who are eligible for a jab – initially the over-80s – will receive one, and they need to wait until they are contacted by their GP to make an appointment, as the phased rollout means not everyone will be contacted at once.

Residents are also reminded that they need two doses of the vaccine for it to be fully effective, and that they must still follow Covid-safe guidelines and maintain social distancing, wash their hands and wear a face mask.

Dr Bini Kathuria, lead GP for the Prestwich Walk-In Centre vaccination hub, said: “We are delighted that the first day of vaccinations went so well, thanks to the incredible hard work of staff in a very short space of time.

“These vaccinations will save lives, and I urge everyone who is eligible to have one. However, please wait to be contacted by your GP – don’t just show up or call your doctor’s surgery, as the staff are busy dealing with other patients.”

Lesley Jones, Bury’s director of public health, added: “While the arrival of a safe and effective vaccine is great news, it will take months for the vaccine to be rolled out across the country and to all age groups.

“We must not forget that this potentially fatal virus hasn’t gone anywhere. The infection rate in Bury is still around 200, which is above the average for England. We must all continue to take precautions to reduce its transmission - make space, cover your face, and wash your hands - if we want to save lives, protecting our NHS and get daily life back to normal.”

ENDS

Press release issued: 16 December 2020.