TWO new ‘mass vaccination sites’ could go live in Bucks in February.
Bucks New University, Aylesbury Campus is “anticipated” as a new venue, opening next month – with another in High Wycombe ‘yet to be confirmed’.
The news came from Buckinghamshire Council’s corporate director for communities, Richard Barker.
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It would seem to confirm this statement on the council’s website about its Covid-19 Vaccination Programme: “There are two Mass Vaccination Sites planned in Buckinghamshire which you will be able to book through the National Booking System. These will be opening in early February and we will update this page with more information soon.”
PICTURED: Bucks New University, Aylesbury Campus
The NHS has set up 17 national mass vaccination sites. Those currently closest to Buckinghamshire are:
- Salt Hill, Slough
- Epsom racecourse, Surrey
- ExCel Centre, London
- Wembley
- Robertson House, Stevenage
It is anticipated parking near the university will be ‘sufficient’, according to Mr Barker.
“The vaccinations are being delivered through four different routes,” said Mr Barker. “The first is a hospital hub, at Stoke Mandeville Hospital, exclusively for health and social care staff.
“Secondly we have local vaccination services. We have eight of those and we will be adding a ninth in the Burnham area next week. They’re led by GPs.
“Thirdly we have pharmacy sites, three which launched this week with a further two to launch – one in Buckingham next week and one in Chesham the week after.
“And then fourthly the mass vaccination centres. There are 17 of those nationally, at present.
“None of those, at present, are in Buckinghamshire – our nearest are Slough, London ExCel, Epsom and Stevenage.
"We are working with the NHS on a second site, likely to be in Wycombe"
“The mass sites in Buckinghamshire are anticipated to be Bucks New University campus site, on Walton Street. We are hopeful for that launching early in February.
“And we are working with the NHS on a second site, likely to be in Wycombe, but that’s to be confirmed.”
He added: “The arrangements, at present, are that volunteers and staff working in the vaccination centres will be able to park for free.
“Those coming for a vaccine may need to pay for parking, depending on where the centre is and what the parking arrangements are.
“For the BNU site, the Walton Street car park is pretty much immediately opposite. It’s got about 500 spaces – plenty of capacity both for staff and those coming for a vaccine.”
For information and FAQs about the Covid-19 vaccination programme in Buckinghamshire go to www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/covid-vaccine
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