Vaccine roll-out centre revealed

A SITE in Wythenshawe has been chosen for the first communitybased Covid-19 vaccination programme to be rolled out in Manchester starting next week.

From next Wednesday, Manchester residents aged 80 and above who are able to travel will be invited to receive the vaccine at the Woodhouse Park Active Lifestyle Centre on Portway (M22 1QW).

This is a separate roll-out to the vaccinations happening at local hospitals across the country for admitted patients and outpatients in their care.

It is understood Wythenshawe was chosen in part because it meets the national criteria of an Primary Care Network area characterised by a high deprivation and high proportion of residents ages 80 years and over. The area is also easily accessible by public transport links, making it easier for residents to travel to in order to receive their vaccine.

No vaccine will be stored on site, it is understood.

Manchester council said residents will be notified they are eligible to get a vaccine by their GP, either by phone or letter.

Arrangements will be made for people who may have difficulty travelling or who are housebound. A secondary booster jab will be given 21 days after people receive their first injection.

Nationwide, vaccinations will be distributed based on a priority system with older people, NHS and care staff being vaccinated first.

This will be followed by at-risk medical groups and then the population at large.

With the vaccine rollout being a gradual one, residents are reminded that the best way of fighting the virus is to keep maintaining social distancing practices, washing hands regularly and wearing a mask.

David Regan, Manchester’s Director of Public Health, said: “From day one our priority has been to protect as many people as possible from Covid-19. The successful development of an effective and safe vaccine will allow us to save thousands of lives over the coming months.

“This is, however, just the first step and we will not see results overnight. Until the vaccine is being widely distributed our first line of defence will still be quick and accurate testing, as well as adhering to social distancing, good hygiene and the wearing of masks.”