Large queues were seen in Stockport town centre as residents rushed to get their Covid-19 booster vaccine.
Scores of residents were pictured waiting outside the Merseyway Centre, where one of the town’s vaccine hubs is located, over lunchtime today, December 2.
The walk-in centre will vaccinate all eligible people over 12, with no appointments necessary.
READ MORE:
The latest guidance means people over 40 who have had their last jab at least six months ago, 12-15 year olds who missed their vaccination, and anyone needing their first and second dose can head down to be jabbed.
Stockport Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) have urged anyone who's eligible to get their booster vaccination as soon as they can, and people across the borough have stepped up quickly.
Dr Cath Munro, Chair of NHS Stockport Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “Getting your first, second or booster COVID-19 vaccination, is the best Christmas present you can give your family and friends this year.
“It’s so important to get the booster because it increases immunity and you need to have it done as soon as you’re eligible, especially as we’ll be meeting family and friends indoors for Christmas celebrations. The booster is essential for having the best protection and it is not an optional extra.”
Pictures from outside the jab site showed the queue, which was apparently even larger earlier in the day, snaking around in the courtyard outside, with dozens of people waiting to be vaccinated.
One man waiting for their jab, who asked to stay anonymous, thought he should get vaccinated ‘as soon as possible’.
"I got an offer a few weeks ago to get it at my GP but I work close to here so thought I'd just come,” the man told the Manchester Evening News .
"I got my second jab on June 8 so only just reach the requirement.
"I just thought it's best to get it as soon as possible."
Another woman, speaking at around 1pm, was not put off by the long wait.
She said: "I came here earlier but the queue was right round the building. I went for a coffee hoping it would die down but it's still very long.
"I wanted to get it earlier but have been in hospital, I just wanted it as soon as possible."
However, her view was not shared by a fellow jab-seeker.
They said: "I've come from Offerton to get it but if I have to queue like this in the cold I might just make an appointment to get it with my GP instead."
The centre, situated near a popular shopping area in the town, is open every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday until December 18.
From 10-3pm, anyone can walk in, or queue outside, to be given a dose of the vaccine as long as they're in one of the eligible groups at the time.
Eligibility can be checked online, on the CCG's website.
Coun Jude Wells, Cabinet Member for Adult Care and Health at Stockport Council, said: “Getting vaccinated is the best way you can help keep your family, friends and wider community safe this Christmas before the festive party season and the big day itself.
“If you’re Christmas shopping in Stockport town centre, the walk in vaccination clinic is ideally located for anyone to get a first or second dose or a booster every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10am to 3pm until Saturday, 18 December.
"You don’t need to book you can just pop in.”
