PHARMACIES in the south west are starting to deliver Covid-19 vaccinations from today.

These sites across the region, of which none are in Salisbury, will be bringing the vaccination process to the high street, as part of the national drive in protecting the public from the virus.

From today, January 21, pharmacies in Bristol, Poole, Weston-Super-Mare, Gloucestershire and Christchurch will be the first of many community pharmacies to offer the vaccination.

They join three large vaccination sites, 22 hospital hubs and 112 GP-led primary care network sites live across the region already delivering the vaccine, including Wilton's Michael Herbert Hall and some sessions at Salisbury Cathedral.

According to NHS England more pharmacies will go live throughout January in the south west and it is hoped 200 sites will be offering the vaccine nationally by the end of the month. 

In order for the vaccination to be delivered safely pharmacy teams have increased their workforce and will be ensuring social distancing can be adhered to onsite.

Those pharmacies that don’t have enough space inside the premises will be delivering the vaccine off-site.

READ: Study reveals Salisbury residents have worst access to pharmacies

NHS England and NHS improvement south west chief pharmacist Stephen Brown said: “It’s great to see the first community pharmacies in the south west delivering these life-saving vaccinations, bringing the vaccine out to more places in local communities, making the vaccine more accessible.

“Pharmacies that have worked incredibly hard throughout the pandemic will now play a vital role in delivering the vaccination, supporting the national drive to protect the nation from the virus.

“Pharmacies are well-versed in supporting NHS immunisation programmes and will build on their expertise of providing a safe, efficient service as they do with the flu vaccine every year.”

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