The COVID-19 vaccination rollout began in England on December 8, 2020, with the first vaccinations being administered to high-risk groups such as the elderly, healthcare workers and care home residents. Since then, all individuals aged five and older have been offered at least two primary doses. In addition, a booster dose has been offered to eligible individuals, including those aged 50 and over, healthcare workers and people with underlying health conditions.
More than 70 per cent of the adult population in England has been fully vaccinated, and more than 85 per cent have received at least one dose. The vaccination programme has been carried out through a combination of mass vaccination centres, local pharmacies, GP surgeries, hospitals and outreach teams.
In Lancashire and South Cumbria, the vaccination programme has been a huge success with more than 4.5m vaccinations administered to our population and more than 72 per cent of our population fully vaccinated. Our vaccination offer has evolved alongside the programme timeline – at the outset of the programme our system hosted seven mass vaccination centres, however these have now all been closed in line with the reduced need and demand.
The programme today is predominantly provided by primary care with both GP practices and community pharmacies offering vaccinations to patients as required.
COVID-19 vaccination helpline
If you need help or advice on how to get a COVID-19 vaccination, please contact 0300 7906 856 to speak to one of our friendly vaccination helpline colleagues.
Alternatively, complete the online form here.
Our current COVID-19 vaccination programmes
Seasonal spring boosters will be available across Lancashire and South Cumbria from April until the end of June 2024.
Those who are eligible will be contacted directly by the NHS to book a vaccine. You may be offered a spring COVID-19 vaccine if you:
- Are aged 75 years or older.
- Live in a care home for older adults.
- Are six months old or over and have a weakened immune system.
The programme will begin on 15 April and initially focus on those living in care homes and people who are housebound.
Appointments will then become available at local NHS services, such as GP practices or pharmacies, by visiting a walk-in COVID-19 vaccination site or by booking online using the national booking system.
Where you can get a vaccine
When available, there will be different ways to get a seasonal COVID-19 vaccine:
- Booking online using the online booking system.
- Going to a walk-in COVID-19 vaccination site.
- From a local pharmacy.
- Through a local NHS service, such as a GP surgery.
- Through your care home or at home if you are housebound.
Walk-in/pop-up vaccination clinics
Pop-up clinics, such as vaccine buses, will provide opportunities to receive vaccinations on a walk-in basis throughout the campaign. Details are below. Locations, dates and times will be added as more clinics are arranged.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies across Lancashire and South Cumbria also offer vaccinations. Some of these are on a walk-in basis while others will require an appointment. Please contact your pharmacy directly to confirm.