Get vaccinated before convenient drive-through leaves town!

Public health leaders in Blackburn with Darwen are reminding residents of the importance of Covid boosters while the NHS drive-through vaccination clinic is still in the borough.

The convenient drive-through, currently situated outside Ewood Park in Blackburn, will leave the borough after Sunday 19 June.

Over the last three weeks, the majority of people coming forward to get vaccinated at the site have had their booster doses.

Abdul Razaq, Director of Public Health for Blackburn with Darwen, said:

It is encouraging that residents are coming forward for their boosters, especially the over 75s who we know have welcomed the convenience of a drive-through vaccination service as well as residents taking up the evergreen offer of first, second and third doses.

In the last week we have seen a small rise in Covid infections across England. We want to keep Blackburn with Darwen’s Covid rates low and help keep our residents safe and well. By getting vaccinated you will be helping to protect yourself and family members.

Of the 22 patients currently in East Lancashire Hospitals Trust with Covid, five are from Blackburn with Darwen and aged between 62 and 93.

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

Covid remains a threat to our way of life. The best way to protect ourselves against the virus is to get vaccinated – even if we have previously had a Covid infection.

The Covid booster is vital to topping up our levels of immunity. Even if you have had your first two doses of the vaccine, we know that immunity wanes over time. This is why the NHS offers booster doses – to raise our immunity levels and give us as much protection as possible against Covid.

NHS vaccinators have also seen many parents choosing to take their children to the drive-through, as the most convenient way to access the Covid jab for 5 to 11 year olds.

The drive-through vaccination clinic is open:

• Monday to Saturday 10am – 5pm
• Sunday 10am – 4pm

It also welcomes walk-ins for vaccination inside the on-site pod.

Covid jabs are also still available at the mass vaccination centre at Blackburn Cathedral crypt. This site is open:

• Monday to Saturday 9am – 6pm
• Sunday 10am – 4pm