As the UK ramps up its vaccination efforts, Boots has confirmed that they are opening their first vaccination sites – two of which are are in Yorkshire. The sites will administer the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine from purpose-built facilities in both Halifax and Huddersfield, and the push is hoped to help inoculate the rest of the UK against the COVID-19 virus by autumn.
The two sites are expected to open in the near future, with Halifax’s vaccination centre reported to open this week. The efforts are being made to ensure that the NHS is supported over the coming months, ensuring that the vaccine is rolled out as quickly as possible.
The company, which has extensive knowledge and experience in vaccinations, has set up specialist centres in its pharmacies to administer the vaccine to the most vulnerable while meeting safety, clinical and operational standards. They are hoping to achieve at least 1,000 patients per site each week – and eligible patients will be able to book through the NHS booking system once open.
Seb James, managing director of Boots UK and ROI, said: “Boots has already conducted over two million COVID-19 tests on behalf of the NHS and now we are proud to play our part in vaccinating the nation.”
“Our vaccination sites are clean, clinical environments, in accessible, convenient locations, like high streets, and we have extensive experience in vaccination services, having carried out over a million flu vaccinations in this winter flu season alone.”
“We hope to help the NHS and enable more people to get the vaccination quickly. I am incredibly thankful for the whole team’s support in helping make this happen.”
The government hopes to vaccinate up to 13m vulnerable people in England by mid-February, with approximately 2m vaccinated so far.
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