Sheffield pharmacies launch vaccination clinics in fight against Covid-19

Community pharmacies are leading vaccination clinics from nine different community locations including churches, a community centre and a leisure centre, as well as from chemists.

Pharmacists are highly-experienced in giving vaccinations and provide an extra choice for people when booking their vaccine via the national NHS booking system, allowing people to be vaccinated locally.

Alun Windle, Chief Nurse and Vaccination Lead at NHS Sheffield Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “We’re hoping the convenience of having more choice on where to go encourages more people to have their vaccination when offered.

"We’re doing well in Sheffield with over 309k people now vaccinated with their first dose, we want to keep increasing this figure as we move into the younger age groups.”

Pharmacy vaccination centres, Sheffield Arena and local GP led vaccination centres are offering evening and weekend appointments, making it easier for people to fit their vaccination in around busy work and life schedules.

David Russell, Chair of Community Pharmacy Sheffield, said: “It’s fantastic that pharmacies in Sheffield are joining the fight against covid-19 and providing the vaccination in community locations. Pharmacists sit at the heart of the community, so we are really pleased that they’re able to use their expertise to help deliver the vaccination programme.”

The NHS is now vaccinating people aged 30 and older, if you are in this age group you can book your vaccination by going to www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination or by calling 119.

Vaccination centres with availability will be shown when booking. As well as the additional pharmacy led vaccination sites, Sheffield Arena has also increased the number of appointments available there.

If you are aged over 50, a health and care worker or have a long term condition and have yet to have your vaccination, please contact your GP, 119 or visit www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination.

Government data up to May 26 shows that of the 62,658,639 jabs given in the UK so far, 38,614,683 were first doses – a rise of 236,119 on the previous day.

Some 24,043,956 were second doses, an increase of 427,458.