Time for second jabs

People who received their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine during an accelerated vaccination push in Blackburn with Darwen are now being called back for their second jab.

More than 16,000 additional vaccines were given in May this year in response to rising infection rates and eight weeks later – 56 days to be exact – those who came forward at the time are now eligible for their second dose.

Several local vaccination sites are now offering second doses – with both walk-ins and pre-bookable appointments available. This is in addition to first doses of Pfizer and first/second doses of AstraZeneca.

These include:

• Pharmacy 2U, Ainsworth Street, Blackburn, BB1 6AR, 8.30am to 7.30pm, from July 8
• Blackburn Cathedral, Railway Road, Blackburn, 8.30am to 7.30pm, from July 12
• Pop up clinic Revidge Fold Church, Shear Brow, Blackburn, 8.30am to 7.30pm, from July 22 for two weeks
• Masjid-e-Saliheen Mosque,  Didsbury Street, Blackburn, BB1 3JL – 8.30am – 7.30pm – open now

The NHS’s vaccination bus will also be revisiting locations across the borough providing second dose Pfizer vaccines to people in the area.

Mosques, colleges, leisure centres and community hubs are just some of the hyper-local venues the vehicle will be visiting for convenient and easy access to the Covid vaccination.

The vaccination bus originally visited the areas in May and is now returning to the same locations to enable people to receive their second dose. Full details will be available shortly at www.blackburnwithdarwenccg.nhs.uk

Jane Scattergood, Covid-19 Vaccination Director for Lancashire and South Cumbria, said:

Back in May we saw an incredible turnout from people across Blackburn with Darwen coming forward for the vaccine, and now is the time for everyone to come back and get that all-important second dose.

The Covid vaccines are two-dose vaccines so you must have both doses for maximum benefit and protection to you, your friends, and your family.

And to those who have not yet come forward for the vaccine – it is not too late to change your mind.  We will continue to make the offer available across all of our vaccination sites and with many offering walk-in appointments, getting your vaccine is easier than ever.

Blackburn with Darwen Council is offering free car parking in Blackburn for anyone going to get vaccinated – at car parks on Weir Street and Penny Street.

And for anyone travelling by bus, free transport is available on all local services – just tell the driver you are going for your jab!

Coun Mohammed Khan CBE, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, added:

We know that getting vaccinated is the best way to protect ourselves and our loved ones from Coronavirus, and stay in control of virus spread in Blackburn with Darwen.

That’s why we’re doing everything we can to make it as convenient as possible for local residents to take up their vaccinations.

I’ve had both doses of the vaccine. I feel fortunate to live in a country where the vaccines have been so readily available to all adults. I got vaccinated to protect myself and also my family, particularly my vulnerable wife, and others around me.

If you would prefer to book, for Pharmacy 2U and Blackburn Cathedral – call 119 or visit www.nhs.uk/covidvaccine, and for Didsbury Street Mosque and Revidge Fold Church, visit www.healthierlsc.co.uk/getmyjab

If you have an appointment, tell site staff as you arrive and you can skip the queue!

For more information on the Lancashire and South Cumbria Vaccination Programme, visit www.healthierlsc.co.uk/covidvaccination.