More sites offer COVID-19 vaccine in Cheshire West and Chester as roll-out continues

Groups of GP practices will begin rolling out the COVID-19 vaccine to residents in Cheshire West and Chester from today.

Supported by Cheshire West and Chester Council, local vaccination services are starting in Winsford today, Tuesday 15 December, with services for Frodsham planned for later this week.

Further locations across Cheshire are set to start vaccinating as soon as possible in the coming weeks.

Initially focusing on those residents at highest risk from COVID-19, the roll-out follows the launch of the vaccination programme in hospitals, including the Countess of Chester Hospital, on 8 December.

Anyone who receives the vaccine will be given a second dose after 21 days to complete the full vaccination.

Cllr Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: “The news of the further roll-out of the vaccination programme could not be more welcome.

“It’s great that the vaccine is being taken closer to communities with the GP practices in Winsford and Frodsham this week, with more to follow in the next few weeks.

“To know that the people in our borough most at risk from COVID-19 will be offered the vaccination is wonderful and I would urge those who are invited to take it up.”

To help the NHS deliver the COVID-19 vaccination programme effectively, residents are asked to follow this guidance:

• The NHS will contact people in the priority groups when it is their turn to receive the vaccine. Please do not contact the NHS to seek a vaccine before then.
• When you are invited for a vaccine, please act on your invite and make sure you attend appointments when you arrange them.
• Please continue to wear a face covering and abide by social distancing and hand hygiene guidance as, until the vaccine has been fully rolled out, this is the most effective way to save lives.

Ian Ashworth, Director of Public Health at Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: “I’m really pleased to see the start of this important phase of the vaccination roll-out.

“The first people to be invited will be those aged 80 and over, as well as health and social care workers, and I hope as many people as possible take up this opportunity.

“While the vaccination is being rolled out it is as important as ever to remember to keep washing your hands regularly, cover your face when in an enclosed space and keep social distancing to stop the spread of COVID-19.

“This is particularly important as many people catch up with friends and family over Christmas.

“It’s been a tough year and we all want to relax and enjoy the festivities, but please do remember hands, face, space to keep the spread of this virus down. Let’s turn this around.”

For more information about the COVID-19 vaccine visit: www.nhs.uk/coronavirus.

For more information about forming a Christmas bubble visit: www.gov.uk and search for Christmas bubble.

If you develop symptoms of COVID-19, which include a new continuous cough, a loss or change in your sense of smell or taste or a high temperature, you must self-isolate immediately and book a test by visiting: www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or calling: 119.