Wesham Pharmacy has recently passed a significant milestone in its Covid-19 vaccination program.

The number of people vaccinated by the centre has surpassed 21,100. This is more than double the reported figures from April, when the site had reached 8,000 vaccinations.

Wesham’s vaccination centre is managed by a small number of staff at AFC Fylde Stadium. Staff at community pharmacies take on a significant workload, even sacrificing evenings and weekends, but this work is necessary to ensure that as many people are vaccinated as possible.

Read more: All Preston and Lancashire residents over 30 can book their Covid jab

It is tough work, but without the efforts of community pharmacies and their staff, the nationwide vaccination programme would be far less widespread.

With these sacrifices, residents of Wesham and its surrounding areas have greater access to the lifesaving Covid-19 vaccine. With the news that the mass vaccination site at Winter Gardens will close at the end of July, the work of community pharmacies is more important than ever.

Jane Scattergood, Director of Nursing and Quality for Fylde Coast CCGs, said: “Now that lockdown rules are starting to ease we are seeing a slow return to more normal life, with the biggest reopening of society this year taking place from 17 May 2021.

“This means more vaccines being delivered at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, at GP practice-led sites and at pharmacy-led sites such as those at AFC Fylde.”

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Residents are encouraged to wait until the NHS contacts them about arranging an appointment, as those in high-risk groups are being prioritised. Those eligible must book an appointment through the national booking service, or by calling 119.

A Covid-19 vaccine hotline is also available for Fylde Coast residents to inquire about the vaccination process. It is live between 10am-8pm every day of the week at 0300 79068.

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