Mansfield mayor thanks all involved for getting town Covid vaccination site up and running

Coun Andy Abrahams met NHS staff, volunteers and members of the public who were receiving vaccinations at the former Wickes store on Chesterfield Road South.

The mayor said Mansfield District Council had been working with colleagues across the local health and care system to prepare for the opening of the site, which will support the roll out of the national vaccination programme.

He continued: “This is a wonderful moment for Mansfield and the wider area as we welcome this large-scale vaccination site to our district.

"This will play a vital role in the biggest immunisation programme in NHS history.

“I’m very proud of everyone who has worked so hard to get to this stage – from the tradespeople who have prepared the venue, to the cleaners, volunteers and many more who are providing support.

"We will continue working with our partners to support this historic operation.”

People aged 75 and over who live within a 45-minute drive of the centre are being invited to book their vaccination.

Among the first to receive their vaccinations were Geoff and Jenny Holland, from Town View, the council’s independent living scheme for the over-55s.

Jenny said: “We are so pleased to receive our vaccinations, everything went really smoothly at our appointment and we barely felt a thing.

“The staff are all so lovely and really look after you – I’d encourage anyone who gets offered a jab to get it.”

Kathryn Turner, Geoff’s daughter, added: “They are so in love and such lovely people.

"It’s fantastic that they have had the vaccine so their love story can continue.”

The Mansfield vaccination centre joins 31 other new sites opening across the country this week as the vaccination drive continues to accelerate.

If people cannot or do not want to travel to a vaccination centre then they can be vaccinated at by a local site or hospital hub.

There are currently 11 sites across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

Coun Abrahams continued: “Although the rollout of the vaccine is exciting and we hope it will prove to be an important milestone in the fight against Covid-19, I would urge people who are under 75 to be patient and wait until they are contacted.

“The NHS will be in touch when it’s your turn so please don’t turn up at this or any other vaccination centre and don’t ring your GP or local hospital.

“I’d encourage everyone who receives an invitation to take up the offer, book a slot and attend that appointment.

"This will protect you from Covid-19 and hopefully help us all return to the people we love and the things we miss as quickly as possible.”

It’s important that all residents continue to follow the national lockdown guidance and remember to wash our hands, wear a face mask and socially distance.

Booking lines for Covid-19 vaccine appointments are now open to both over-80s and over-75s across Nottinghamshire.

People in these age groups, can now book appointments online here or by calling 0115 8834640.

To find out more about the vaccination programme in Nottinghamshire, click here.