Elizabethan Suite operates walk-in vaccination centre as covid infection rates rise

People who have not yet received the life-saving covid jab are being urged to get it today at the Elizabethan Suite, in Bury Town Hall, which is operating a walk-in vaccination centre.

And the message is very much, clinicians will look for a reason to vaccinate ­— and not to turn people away.

The surge vaccination drive is one of the urgent measures being taken by public health bosses to contain the virus.

Bury's infection rates have risen in recent weeks and now it has one of highest covid rates in the country.

Yesterday, scores of people turned up for their jab, with the local fire service going to door to publicise the pop-up centre in the local mosque ­— with local health chiefs hailing it a huge success.

Today the Pfizer vaccine is being administered at the Elizabethan Suite for those who have not had their first doses.

(People  outside Elizabethan Suite Pictures by Danny Crompton)

No appointment is needed and vaccines will be administered up to 6pm.

People who are not sure if they are eligible should turn up and teams will look for a reason to vaccinate.

(Inside the walk-in  centre at the Elizabethan Suite. Picture Danny Crompton)

Cllr Andrea Simpson, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “We’re making tremendous progress on getting Bury people vaccinated, with around 113,000 residents having had their first jab and 77,000 who have received their second dose.

“However, there are still a number of people who, for a number of reasons, have not taken up their invitation. We want to take the message right to people’s doorsteps that having this vaccination will protect you, your families and friends from this potentially fatal illness – remember, more than 500 Bury people have died from coronavirus, and many more have become seriously unwell.

“Our teams will also be reminding everyone of the importance of testing and taking the right measures, such as self-isolation, when necessary.”