Pop-up clinics enable people to grab a jab
Centres provide Covid vaccinations for shoppers and people running errands
WALK-IN vaccine clinics popped up across the Portsmouth area at the weekend as health teams encourage more people to ‘grab a jab’ and protect themselves from Covid.
A pop-up clinic in Gunwharf Quays offering vaccinations for over-12s on Saturday saw more than 30 people come in for a jab in the first hour. It is also running today.
Alan Dobson, clinical lead for this pop-up clinic, said the number of people stopping in for their jabs ‘really picked up’ on Saturday after a quieter day on Friday.
He said: ‘We’ve seen all ages, all demographics, all nationalities.
‘Some people want to talk to somebody first – we’re not in a clinical environment so some people feel more comfortable with that.’
The clinics aim to offer convenient Covid jabs for those who are out shopping or running errands.
More than 85 per cent of people in Hampshire and Isle of Wight have now received their booster jab – around one million people – but health teams are still hard at work making sure everyone has access to vaccinations.
Alan said: ‘The idea behind the clinics is outreach – reaching out to those people who are finding it hard to find time to get to the vaccine centres.
‘These pop-up clinics can pop up anywhere, and we’ll be promoting the positive aspects of having the jab. The mission continues to help people be safe, to stay as safe as possible.’
Natalie Awton-Hughes grabbed her booster on Saturday at Gunwharf Quays while out shopping for her husband’s birthday with her daughter, who encouraged
her to grab a jab while they were there.
She said: ‘I didn’t even know this was here.
‘I was trying to fit it in with work, it’s so much easier than trying to find time to go.
‘I’m really pleased – you don’t have to think about it, it’s just done.’
The pop-up clinics are being held in addition to vaccines being offered at mass vaccination sites at St James’ Hospital, Portsmouth, Oakley Road in Southampton and Riverside on the Isle of Wight.
Dr Matt Nisbet, GP and clinical lead for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Covid19 vaccination programme, said: ‘A range of walk-in Covid-19 vaccination clinics are being held across Hampshire and Isle of Wight in the coming days and appointments continue to be added to the National Booking Service.
‘The offer is not time-limited so anyone invited can have the vaccine – even if they have previously declined and changed their mind.
‘I strongly encourage anyone who has not yet taken up the offer of a vaccine to do so as soon as possible.’
Clinics continued to offer walk-in vaccinations yesterday. People can also grab a jab at St James’ Hospital, which is open 8am to 8pm daily.
People aged 12-15 will need to attend a vaccination centre with their parent or guardian, who will be asked to give their consent.