Bolton’s Covid-19 booster vaccine efforts will hit top gear this week — as a new 24-hour clinic opens on Thursday.
It’s the first of its kind in Greater Manchester, and Dr Helen Wall hopes it will allow more people to get boosted in the face of the omicron variant.
The clinic will open from 6am on Thursday (December 23) to 6am on Christmas Eve, Nautica House, which is located next to Waters Meeting Health Centre, Waters Meeting Road (off Blackburn Road).
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Walk-ins are welcome at the site, but appointments can also be made through the National Booking System.
Dr Wall, who heads up Bolton’s vaccine programme, said the extended opening hours have been introduced for ‘convenience’ at one of the busiest times of the year.
She explained: “Christmas is always a busy time of year, with lots of last minute jobs to do and I understand that getting a booster is just not at the top of everyone’s list, but the beauty of a 24-hour vaccination clinic is that it is convenient, quick and potentially quieter than other clinics.
“Naturally, a clinic that is open throughout the night is ideal for people working shifts or those who may struggle with childcare or other commitments during the day. But it’s also a great opportunity if you’ve just been to the nearby cinema or drive-through! If you are wary about going out during the day in a bid to avoid crowds, or are doing the Christmas ‘big shop’ late at night, then a 24-hour clinic could be the perfect chance to get your booster before Christmas.
“In addition, now that the 15 minute wait time has been withdrawn, people should be in and out quickly so shouldn’t experience any major disruption to their busy schedules. If anyone asks me should they get their booster before Christmas, my answer would always be yes – get it done as soon as possible.”
For anyone who gets a booster during the 24-hour window, they’ll also get a free mince pie as a festive treat.
Vaccinators in Bolton have around 69,000 people eligible for a booster to jab before the end of the year, when the government hopes to have offered a booster to every adult.
More clinics will be available over Christmas, including one at Horwich RMI on Boxing Day, 10am to 3pm. Check the Bolton CCG website and social channels for updates.
