Over 110k people jabbed so far in Greater Manchester’s Covid-19 booster programme

Less than a month after the first Covid-19 booster vaccine doses were given, more than 115,000 people across Greater Manchester have now received theirs.

And with thousands of doses being administered across GM’s ten localities every single day, health chiefs are confident of having offered the booster – and added protection from Covid-19 – to the majority of those eligible by the end of December.

Demand for the booster has been high, with the vast majority of people receiving their invite directly from the NHS or from their GP taking up the offer. Clinic sessions running right across Greater Manchester have regularly been booked out.

Where possible, some areas have taken the opportunity to administer a flu and Covid vaccination at the same appointment, which has been well-received by patients.

There are multiple locations across Greater Manchester offering the Covid-19 vaccine booster, along with first and second doses (as it’s not too late to come forward).

These range from PCN sites (led by GPs), pharmacies and hospital hubs. Where people can’t easily get to the vaccine, the vaccine is taken to them with pop-up clinics, vaccine buses and teams going out to visit housebound patients.

The mass vaccination centre at the Etihad Tennis Centre in Manchester has so far vaccinated hundreds of thousands of people since the start of the year, and continues to do so. It is open seven days a week, 8am – 8pm (shortened hours on MCFC match days) and has plenty of parking and the Etihad Campus Metrolink Stop nearby. Walk-ins are accepted.

Christine Khiroya, Nurse Consultant with Lead Responsibility for Screening and Immunisation for Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “Demand for the booster has been extremely high and as soon as eligible people are getting their booster invites they are finding a venue handy for them and booking straight in.

“It means we’re getting through thousands of boosters a day. And coupled with the annual flu vaccination programme in full swing and first and second Covid-19 doses that’s a lot of jabs!

“With Covid-19 still spreading in our communities, and other winter bugs including flu beginning to circulate, we are making sure that the most vulnerable are protected.”

Here’s how to get your Covid-19 jab

Eligible for a booster?

• Wait for your invite directly from the NHS or your GP and then get your appointment booked. Details below.

Aged over 16 and not had a first dose?

• Don’t delay, jump online and find out where your local walk-ins are happening, or book yourself an appointment.

Aged over 18 and not had your second dose yet?

• As above, you can get your second dose at a walk-in near you, or you can sort an appointment.

For young people aged 12-15

• Youngsters aged 12-15 are currently being will be offered a single vaccination dose in school. Parents and carers are urged to sign the consent form to protect them and minimise any further disruption to their education.

To find local GP-led clinics and local walk-in clinics, please visit: rochdale.gov.uk/covidvaccine

To book at the Etihad and other local options including pharmacies and some hospital hubs, go to NHS.uk and search for Covid-19 vaccine or dial 119.