WORK is continuing at pace at Melksham’s vaccination centre to ensure that the community is protected from the spread of Covid-19.
The centre has delivered well over 90,000 jabs, and is now preparing to invite eligible patients to book their ‘Spring Dose’ of the Covid-19 vaccine.
“The vaccination centre at Spencer’s Sports and Social Club in Melksham has been in operation for over a year now,” reports the Covid Vaccination Programme Lead for the Melksham and Bradford on Avon Primary Care Network, Dr Abby Burgess. “The service was set up to cover the Primary Care Network of GP surgeries from Spa and Giffords in Melksham and Bradford on Avon Health Centre, although it also provides a vaccination service to the wider population in Wiltshire.
“Throughout the previous year the vaccination centre has celebrated several key milestones, such as reaching 30,000 then 50,000 vaccinations of ‘jabs in arms’ this has been achieved by the tremendous dedication and teamwork by all the volunteers and staff involved in the programme. We are where we are due to this amazing group of individuals- to all of you ‘Thank you’ and keep up the incredible work!
“The centre has vaccinated all age groups from 5 years to over 100 years old, as a result it has prevented many people from developing severe Covid-19 symptoms.
“As of 16th March 2022, the current total number of vaccine doses given at Spencer’s is 91,441.
“As Covid-19 isolation measures are relaxed in the UK, many of our oldest adults, and therefore most vulnerable, will have received their most recent vaccine dose in September or October 2021. These individuals are at higher risk of severe Covid-19, and with the lapse of time, their immunity from vaccination will wane substantially before the autumn.
“Therefore, the Joint Committee on Vaccine Immunisation (JCVI) advises a ‘Spring Dose’ to be given around 6 months after the last vaccine dose. This will increase your immunity and protect you against severe COVID-19 which is vital given the high rates of Covid in our area.
“So, if you are in the following groups, please book your vaccine when bookings open on Monday 21st March.
- All adults aged 75 years and over
- Residents in a care home for older adults
- Individuals aged 12 years and over who are immunosuppressed
Book your Spring Booster online through the National Booking Service (NBS) Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination – NHS (www.nhs.uk).
You will also be able to walk-in to any Spencer’s clinic.
The clinic times at Spencer’s for April are every Tuesday and Thursday 17:00 to 20:00, and Saturday 9th April 09:00 to 14:00 and Saturday 30th April 10:00 to 16:00
“The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has also now given the go-ahead to vaccinate all children aged 5 to 11 years of age who are not in a clinical risk group. These children will have two vaccines 12 weeks apart. You can book these on the NBS for Spencer’s.
“Despite the known uncertainties, in the year ahead, winter will remain the season when the threat from COVID-19 is greatest both for individuals and for health communities. Autumn will bring a further wave of vaccinations for those at higher risk of severe COVID-19; such as the older generation and those in clinical risk groups.
“Please be aware Covid-19 still poses a significant risk to us all and with case numbers rising it is even more important to make sure you are fully vaccinated. If you need a 1st, 2nd, booster dose or are part of the Spring booster groups please come along to Spencer’s and get your self-protected.”
