Thousands of patients to get flu jabs at coronavirus-safe clinics in Wigan

GP practices are working together to provide the clinics in Wigan, Leigh, Golborne and Hindley and ensure measures are taken to prevent the spread of the virus.

It is hoped the clinics will deliver tens of thousands of vaccinations during October and November, with thousands more being delivered in GP practices and community pharmacies.

The practices are being supported by NHS Wigan Borough CCG, which is setting up the sites to ensure they meet all health and safety requirements and there is enough personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, masks and aprons.

Appointments for vaccinations should be made through GP practices and patients will be asked to only turn up at their allotted time.

Once there, they will be greeted and taken for their vaccine, before leaving through a different door.

There is not expected to be any waiting and everyone will be kept at least two metres apart.

All the staff giving vaccines will be changing PPE between patients and each area will be cleaned between use, along with regular deep cleans.

Dr Tim Dalton, a GP and chairman of NHS Wigan Borough CCG, said: “This is a particularly hard year to deliver the flu vaccination programme. There are lots more people who need to get vaccinated and it is so very important that it is all managed in a safe way. That is why GP practices and the CCG have all agreed to work together to develop these Covid-safe clinics, away from other patients and in safe environments.”