Coronavirus vaccinations will be provided at Wigan pharmacy from today

Hollowood Chemist, on Mesnes Street, is one of six new vaccine sites in Greater Manchester supporting efforts to get the injection to people in high-risk groups as quickly as possible.

It follows the launch of the Shot In The Arm campaign by Wigan Today and its sister titles across the country, urging the Government to allow local pharmacists to carry out vaccinations in their communities.

The six new sites will all be run by high street community pharmacies and based at locations including a sports club and a community centre.

They join the vaccination site at the Etihad campus, 15 hospital hubs and 55 GP-led sites in rolling out the Greater Manchester Covid-19 vaccination programme.

Jane Pilkington, director for population health for Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “We have already made real progress in delivering the Covid-19 vaccine across Greater Manchester. This will be expanded significantly as we ramp up delivery in the weeks ahead with our new pharmacy-led vaccine sites playing a key part. As trusted members of the local communities they serve, our pharmacy teams continue to work tirelessly to provide a vital service during this pandemic, often acting as the first port of call for expert health advice. So, it is fitting that they will have a critical role in delivering the Covid-19 vaccine.

“I know there is a great deal of anticipation around the Covid-19 vaccine but remember all sites are operating on an appointment-only basis. To allow teams to operate safely and maintain social distancing, please don’t arrive without booking first. The NHS will let you know when it's your turn to have the vaccine.”

Luvjit Kandula, director of pharmacy transformation for Greater Manchester Local Pharmaceutical Committee, said: "GMLPC represents 603 community pharmacies in Greater Manchester. We are pleased to see our pharmacists playing a role in delivering the NHS Covid-19 vaccination programme alongside our GP colleagues and other providers, supporting local patients and communities.

“Community pharmacy has a vital role in supporting the rollout of the Covid-19 vaccine. We welcome the first wave of community pharmacies going live to support the national effort in delivering the programme.”

The new pharmacy-operated sites will initially be vaccinating people aged 75 and over, who have received a letter inviting them to book an appointment, along with frontline health and social care workers.

The range of locations available in Greater Manchester means people can choose the option that will work best for them once they are invited to book an appointment. Those who do not wish to have their jab at the Etihad vaccination centre or a pharmacy-run site can wait to receive an invitation from their GP practice.

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