Covid Vaccination Rollout – Formby

We have received an update from Fiona Taylor, Chief Officer for NHS Southport and Formby CCG and NHS South Sefton CCG. Below are a few extracts from the letter which can be viewed in full at the bottom of the page.

“Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council (SMBC) and NHS Southport and Formby CCG have worked collectively and collaboratively on the response to COVID19 including the identification of sites for testing and vaccinations.  We were working with SMBC to explore site options which included a potential site at Formby PDC.  However, at the same time we were able to identify an NHS premises that was more suitable, was compliant with NHS England criteria for COVID19 vaccination sites and was available in accordance with the nationally determined vaccine delivery schedule.”

“It also important to understand that the vaccine has multiple characteristics which mean it cannot be administered in the same way as a flu vaccine for example.  Adherence to existing COVID guidelines, appropriate refrigeration, safe space for mixing, drawing and handling of the vaccine and the requirement for patients to be observed for 15 minutes post vaccination are just some of the factors that need to be accounted for when identifying appropriate premises.”

“Ainsdale Health and Wellbeing Centre that will cover the populations of Ainsdale, Birkdale and Formby will go live on the 8^th January and will receive 975 Pfizer BioNTech and 400 doses of the Oxford/Astra Zeneca vaccine.  In all cases the vaccine we have available will go to our priority groups as determined by the Joint Committee for Vaccinations and Immunisations (JCVI) which includes over 80s, care home staff and residents and NHS front line staff.”

“I do fully appreciate that it is frustrating for individuals who will be eager to understand when they can expect to receive their vaccine.  We are now just over 2 weeks into the programme and we will continue to scale up that programme as more and more vaccine becomes available.”