Reshuffle of local vaccination sites as eligibility criteria widened to include over 30s

These new sites are expected to start providing the vaccine to those who are eligible over the next few weeks, with pharmacies in Bath, Corsham, Combe Down, Keynsham, and Lyneham, due to start accepting appointments soon. 

The new sites will be added to the region’s list of vaccine clinic locations ahead of a number of GP-led vaccination sites standing down from the programme.

This planned move will see some sites not participate in the second phase of the vaccination programme, which involves providing the vaccine to people aged between 18 and 39, who are least likely to be seriously affected by coronavirus.

People aged 30 and above are now eligible to receive the coronavirus vaccine, and can arrange an appointment through the national booking system, which is available over the phone or online.

Dr Andrew Girdher, Clinical Chair of the BaNES, Swindon and Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group, said:

“Locally, we have had great success in vaccinating those in our community who are most vulnerable to Covid-19, and we are now seeing the benefit of this with fewer cases being recorded, fewer deaths and fewer hospital admissions.

“As we begin the process of vaccinating younger people, it feels like now is the right time to review our current list of sites, and doing so in this way ensures vaccine provision is protected for those yet to be vaccinated, while also allowing some practices to revert their focus back fully to providing much-needed everyday care.

“As this is still an incredibly busy time within healthcare, people can support their local practice by thinking about whether their concern requires the attention of a GP, or whether self-care, a visit to a local pharmacist, or a combination of the two would be more appropriate.”

Most vaccination sites in BaNES, Swindon and Wiltshire are now listed on the national booking system, meaning people can arrange an appointment at the venue closest to their home or place of work.

The new pharmacy sites will be added as soon as their start date is confirmed.

Appointment slots at some sites, such as the Steam Museum in Swindon, have been in high demand and people are encouraged to check again if their preferred location is not listed on their first time of trying.

More information about the local vaccination rollout can be found online at bswccg.nhs.uk.