The mass Covid vaccination site in York will open tomorrow (Monday, 21 December).
The Large Covid-19 Vaccination site is at Moor Lane Car Park, Askham Bar, York. It is also being used as a Mass Flu Vaccination site.
Nimbuscare Ltd, a York-based at scale primary care provider, will be working in collaboration with 11 GP practices in the York area to manage the delivery of Covid-19 vaccines to priority patient groups, determined by the JCVI (Joint Committee of Vaccination and Immunisation).
A spokeswoman said: “We will begin offering the Covid-19 vaccine to invited individuals on week beginning 21 December 2020 from this site. People arriving for a Covid vaccine will be directed to the right area and this will not be offered as a drive-in facility.
“People in the first priority groups will be offered the vaccine first. All those vaccinated will also need to come for a booster jab at a later date.
“People will be contacted when the time is right to come for their appointment. They will be contacted by letter, text message or phone call.
“We urge people not to contact their local GP practice or hospital to ask about the vaccine and please do not come to the site without an appointment.”
Historic moment
Prof Mike Holmes, chair of Nimbuscare Ltd, said: “This programme is one of the most important moments in the history of the NHS. Delivering the vaccine on this scale is a huge task and we’re fortunate to have a dedicated and experienced team which is making this possible.
“We have joined with clinicians, volunteers, primary care colleagues and local organisations from across the York area to make this happen and we thank them all for their support.
“We have been working round the clock to get the site ready and await the arrival of the first vaccines.
“People will be contacted when the time is right to come forward for their vaccination, as per the priority groups. When people do receive an invitation, we encourage people to act on this and make sure they attend.
“I understand there will be anxiety from people who are keen to get the vaccine as soon as possible, but please be reassured that we are putting in place plans to do that as quickly and as safely as we can.
“In the meantime, we hope everyone will continue to abide by the social distancing and hand hygiene guidance.”
For information about the vaccine go here.