Preston’s large scale vaccination centre opens as hundreds invited for first appointments

The queuing area for the new vaccine hub will utilise the area between the Bus Station and St John's Shopping Centre Pic: Tony Worrall — The queuing area for the new vaccine hub will utilise the area between the Bus Station and St John’s Shopping Centre Pic: Tony Worrall

Hundreds of people aged 65 and over, and those who are clinically vulnerable are being invited to book a coronavirus vaccination at a new NHS large scale vaccination centre.

The new vaccination centre is at St John’s Shopping Centre in Preston.

The centre is located in the large unit, previously occupied by B&M bargains.

Entrance to the former B&M store in St John's Shopping Arcade Pic: Tony Worrall — Entrance to the former B&M store in St John’s Shopping Arcade Pic: Tony Worrall

Those who are eligible, live within a 45 minute drive from the site and who haven’t already been vaccinated will receive letters from the NHS Covid-19 vaccination booking service, telling them how to book their appointment.

The Preston venue is the last in a series of larger vaccination sites which have opened in Lancashire and South Cumbria over the past few months.

It is still important that people who have not received a booking letter do not try and book appointments at or turn up to these large vaccination centres.

People who book into the vaccination centre will be greeted by volunteers, who will marshal car parks and register them when they arrive.

Councillor Matthew Brown, Leader of Preston City Council, said: “The opening of a high-capacity city centre vaccination centre in Preston is a vital step in our fight against the virus.

“We welcome the central location of this site which adds to the options people have to access the vaccine and are grateful for the support of the NHS and others to help get this established and ready to increase vaccinations in the city.

“We are also pleased that staff from Preston City Council will be playing their part in helping the site operate smoothly through logistical and administrative support and pay tribute to all the NHS staff, GPs, Pharmacists and their support teams who have done such a great job already in getting the vaccine out to so many people.

“The vaccine is our best chance to turn the tide against this awful virus and begin to get back to normal. A lot of work is going on to tackle false information about the vaccine and remind people throughout our communities that it is safe and thoroughly tested, including through the exciting Community Champions programme.”

People are being reminded to turn up to their appointments on time to prevent queuing at the centre.

Find your nearest vaccination centre below and see vaccine stats