Check vaccination travel requirements now

As the Covid vaccination drive-through at Ewood Park continues to provide a convenient way to get jabs, we’re reminding residents to check travel requirements for their summer getaways.

Not all popular holiday destinations have removed their Covid travel restrictions – now’s the time to check what restrictions remain in place for the country you’re planning to visit.

Some countries, including France and Turkey, still ask for travellers to be fully vaccinated against Covid – or to provide proof of a negative travel PCR test which must be paid for.

And some destinations still have quarantine periods for unvaccinated travellers.

Coun Damian Talbot, Executive Member for Public Health, Prevention & Wellbeing, said:

After the last two years, we know that many people are looking forward to getting away on holiday this summer. We don’t want anyone to be caught out if they are unfamiliar with the Covid vaccine requirements of the country they’re going to. Now’s the time to check, and to get vaccinated if you’re not currently up to date with your Covid jabs.

While the drive-through vaccination site is here in Blackburn, outside Ewood Park, it’s a great opportunity to pop in and get vaccinated. You don’t need to make an appointment – just drive in or even walk in whenever suits you.

Covid vaccinations are free of charge, unlike travel PCR tests which some countries require unvaccinated travellers to take before departure.

Abdul Razaq, Blackburn with Darwen’s Director of Public Health added:

The Covid pandemic has not ended, with the virus seeking out communities at risk to reinfect. Vaccination remains our best line of defence against the virus. International travel has opened up considerably over the last few months and I know many residents will be looking forward to getting away with loved ones, or visiting family and friends abroad.

Additionally, anyone planning to make the Hajj pilgrimage this year are required to be fully vaccinated to enter the city of Mecca. While full vaccination isn’t a requirement of entry to Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of Hajj & Umrah has set the entry requirement for Hajj pilgrims to be fully vaccinated.

The Ewood Park drive-through vaccination site offers the following Covid vaccine doses:

• Ages five to 15 – first and second dose
• Ages 16 and over – first, second and booster dose
• Ages 75 and over (and those who live in care homes for older people) – first, second, booster and spring booster

No appointments are needed for the drive-through site – just drive in to have the jab in your car, or walk in to be vaccinated in the on-site pod.

It’s open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm, and Sundays from 10am to 4pm.

The drive-through vaccination site will be closed for the Queen’s Jubilee bank holiday on Thursday 2 and Friday 3 June.

Find out more about having the Covid vaccine in Blackburn with Darwen at www.healthierlsc.co.uk/getmyjab.