AFTER 18 months of working on the frontline in the fight to control the spread of Covid-19, Melksham’s vaccination centre has now delivered over 100,000 vaccines.
Staff and volunteers at the centre, based at Spencer’s Sports and Social Club, celebrated the milestone moment last week as they prepare to wind down the service at the end of the month.
The vaccine service at Spencer’s will be ‘rested’ for the summer; but plans are already under way for the delivery of Covid and flu vaccinations in the autumn.
“The Melksham and Bradford on Avon Primary Care Network (PCN) are incredibly proud to have delivered a massive 100,000 Covid vaccines,” said Covid vaccination programme lead, Dr Abby Burgess, who is also partner at Giffords Surgery. “This milestone comes after nearly 18 months of delivering vaccines to our local population.
“The three practices, Giffords, Spa and Bradford on Avon, alongside their dedicated team of professional volunteers and clinicians, have worked incredibly hard to make the vaccination programme such a success.
“Without the hard work and professionalism of our clinical and non-clinical volunteer teams, it simply would not have been possible to provide such a comprehensive local vaccination service for so long. My personal thanks and that of the practices go to all who have worked with us with such dedication, good humour, and resilience.
“The last three months has seen us deliver the spring programme of vaccinations to all ages. It has been wonderful to see our youngest patients aged 5 years, right up to our oldest of 105 years, come along to get their Covid vaccine.
“Numbers in clinics are now reducing and it is time to bring the vaccination service to a close, for now at least. We feel confident this is the right time given reducing numbers of Covid infection locally and completion of the spring booster programme. Life for many of us is feeling more normal and the vaccinations have given us this freedom.
“There are still clinics several times a week up until our last clinic on May 26th. Please make the most of these clinics and book your vaccine online or just walk in. Book online: www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/
“Over the summer months, there will be small scale local clinics in Melksham and Bradford on Avon where those who need a vaccine can access one. These will be advertised in due course. There will also be an ongoing, albeit reduced service, at the large vaccine sites in Bath, Swindon and Salisbury, which are all bookable online.
“There will be an autumn programme of Covid vaccinations, as well as flu vaccines. The Melksham and Bradford on Avon PCN will be working on plans around this and publicise the details later in the summer.
We are looking to grow our vaccination team for the Autumn programme so if you are a current or retired health professional, or would like to work on reception, within our pharmacy team or as a volunteer helping to run the clinics please do get in touch with; david.bolwell1@nhs.net
“So, it is time to say a final heartfelt thank you to you, our community, for your support of the Covid vaccination programme at Spencer’s. It has been a delight to meet so many of you and know the vaccine you have received has done so much to protect you from serious Covid-related illness.”
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