A TOTAL of five Covid-19 vaccination hubs will open in Chester, Ellesmere Port and Neston over the next couple of weeks.

The new sites, which are among 16 launching across Cheshire, will complement existing GP-led vaccination services in Frodsham and Winsford which went live before Christmas.

A total of three will launch in Chester with individual sites also being set up in both Ellesmere Port and Neston.

The exact start dates are subject to national vaccine supply and other key operational considerations, according to NHS Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group, but the services will commence during this week and the next.

Exact locations have also not yet been officially confirmed although in Ellesmere Port there are signs in place directing people to park in the Civic Centre Car Park off Wellington Road to access the vaccination hub.

The NHS website currently states that Ellesmere Port Civic Hall is a 'Covid Local Vaccination Service'.

The website also states that City Walls, St Columba and Cheshire View are the locations in Chester.

Frodsham GP Dr Chris Ritchieson, Medical Director at Cheshire West Integrated Care Partnership, said: “We understand that people are anxious to receive a Covid-19 vaccine as soon as possible.

"However, please don’t contact your GP practice, local hospital or council to seek a Covid-19 vaccine appointment – appointments cannot be made in this way.

“If you’re eligible for a vaccine, but are yet to be contacted, please remain patient. You will not be missed.”

Knutsford GP Dr Paddy Kearns, Medical Director at Cheshire East Integrated Care Partnership, said: “This is just the beginning of the largest vaccination programme the country has ever seen and we will make sure that the people who need it most – and those that care for them – are able to access the vaccine in a safe way with the least delay.”

A total of 16 new GP-led Covid-19 vaccination services are set to start vaccinating people across Cheshire in the first weeks of 2021.

A small number of pharmacy-led sites have also been identified across the county that could support GP-led services where required to ensure that residents are vaccinated as quickly as possible.

NHS Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group says that following approval of a second vaccine that is more versatile, they will be able to expand the programme and ensure that the majority of care home staff and residents are protected in the coming weeks.

NHS organisations have also been asked to start vaccinating frontline health and care workers such as nurses, doctors and social workers.

Priority groups for vaccination are determined by the Government following advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).

You can help the NHS deliver the Covid-19 vaccination programme effectively by following this simple guidance:

  • We will contact people in the priority groups when it is their turn to receive the vaccine. Please do not contact the NHS to seek a vaccine before then.
  • When you are invited for a vaccine, please act on your invite and make sure you attend appointments when you arrange them.
  • Please continue to wear a face covering and abide by social distancing and hand hygiene guidance as, until the vaccine has been fully rolled out, this is the most effective way to save lives.

Alongside delivering a Covid-19 vaccine, GP practices across Cheshire will continue to offer routine appointments to those that need them.

If in any doubt about which local health service you need you are, however, advised to contact NHS 111 first – either by dialling 111 or online at: 111.nhs.uk.