Pharmacies join in Devon’s vaccine roll-out

THREE pharmacies in Devon are now offering appointments for coronavirus vaccinations to people in priority groups who have received letters from a national booking system.

One of these is located at Plymouth Cricket Ground, Devonport, and is being run by Devonport Pharmacy.

Another, at Lewis Pharmacy, Exeter Road, Exmouth, is also offering appointments, as well as one at Westward Ho! Baptist Church, run by Arnolds Pharmacy.

The sites in Plymouth and Exmouth started on Thursday last week while the vaccinations began in Westward Ho! on 23 January.

They join the two large-scale NHS Vaccination Centres, four hospital hubs and 20 GP-led centres already delivering vaccinations across the county.

NHS England is running the rollout of community pharmacy sites and is due to announce more in coming weeks.

This move sees the life-saving vaccination being offered on local high streets, further accelerating the biggest vaccination programme in the history of the NHS.

Martyn Lewis, who owns Lewis

Pharmacy in Exmouth with his wife, Jackie, said: “We are a community pharmacy first and foremost, and wanted to help deliver the vaccine in our local area.

“It was a hugely proud moment when we delivered our first vaccines yesterday morning.

“The patients who received them were very happy and grateful to have been vaccinated.

“Our staff have pulled out all the stops to be ready – supported by a fantastic network of nurses, GPs, volunteers, and many others.

“Everyone is working so hard... We’re delighted to be part of it.”