Universities offer to set up Covid jab centres

The Government should set up vaccination centres on university campuses across the country to ensure students are fully vaccinated at the start of the autumn term, leading institutions have said.

The Russell Group – which represents 24 top universities in the UK, including Newcastle and Durham – has offered spaces and facilities on campuses for vaccines to ensure a smooth start to the next academic year.

It says that Increasing capacity in universities could help encourage more students to get their second dose as the demand from vaccination sites near their family homes this summer shifts to those near to their university in the autumn.

It could also help relieve the burden on vaccination centres serving local residents.

Dr Tim Bradshaw, chief executive of the Russell Group, said: "Russell Group universities have been at the centre of efforts to develop life-saving vaccines and they are ready to play a full role in ensuring students can quickly and easily access jabs when the autumn term begins.

"All of our universities have worked with local NHS services and public health authorities throughout the pandemic to protect students and their local communities.”

He added: "We know we are now in a situation where it's a race between vaccinations and variants. Universities have the resources and expertise to help ensure this is a race the UK can win.”

An NHS spokeswoman said: "The NHS is already administering vaccines at some universities and local NHS areas will continue to organise pop-up and walk-in clinics to ensure students can receive their jab in a convenient location."