Preston’s mass vaccination hub will open in St John’s Shopping Arcade by mid-February.

The NHS has confirmed 18 new vaccination hubs are opening across the UK including in the city centre.

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Work began in late January to convert the former B&M store in Tithebarn Street for NHS use.

Previously the mass vaccination hubs were in Blackburn and Blackpool but Preston residents are now likely to be asked to an appointment at the city centre location – opposite the Bus Station.

The vaccination centre in St John’s is expected to be giving vaccinations from the week beginning Monday 15 February.

This takes the total number of vaccination hubs across the UK to more than 100 large-scale centres and nearly 200 pharmacy-run vaccination centres – such as the one which has begun operating at Preston Grasshoppers.

See the latest coronavirus vaccination numbers and nearest vaccine hub

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Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “Through our historic vaccination programme, we’ve already provided one in five adults with a jab, and we’re going further, faster.

“We’re rightly giving GPs the resources they need to offer vaccines to the most vulnerable people who might not be able to leave their homes or those who live in rural areas.

“I am so proud and grateful to the thousands of NHS staff, volunteers, local authorities and armed forces working tirelessly in all four corners of the United Kingdom to offer millions of lifesaving jabs to the people who need it most.”

Dr Nikki Kanani, GP and NHS medical director for primary care, said: “Tremendous efforts have been made by GPs across the country to ensure we vaccinate those people who are in the priority cohorts as determined by the JCVI (Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation).

“Since the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine was approved for use and we began administering it on January 4 when Brian Pinker became the first person to receive the jab, my colleagues across the country have been prioritising the vaccination programme rollout, which is our biggest chance of beating this virus.

“Please remember the NHS will be in touch with you when it’s your turn to be vaccinated.”

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