Local MP Alan Mak has welcomed the vital contribution of local pharmacies in delivering the Government’s Coronavirus vaccination programme.
The Havant Constituency MP made visits to two local centres as the Government achieved its target of offering vaccines to everyone in the first four priority groups.
The Greywell Pharmacy in Leigh Park, and Laly’s Pharmacy in Portsmouth owned and run by Havant residents Baldev and Pushpinder Laly, are both offering hundreds of vaccines a day to local residents.
It comes after the NHS vaccination programme, the biggest in the health service’s history, has got off to a strong start with hard-working staff delivering more than 15.6 million Covid vaccinations nationally – with first doses having been given to around 1 in 5 people. The Government is accelerating the rollout so they can offer a vaccine to everyone over 50 by May.
Locally, Hampshire continues to perform well, administering 400,000 vaccines. As well the pharmacy vaccination centres, residents can get vaccinations at GP-led sites based at Hayling Island Health Centre, Emsworth Baptist Church and Waterlooville Health Centre. In addition, local residents can also receive vaccinations at Queen Alexandra Hospital and St James Hospital, Portsmouth.
During his visits, Mr Mak heard from the pharmacies about their work to vaccinate all priority groups that have been designated by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation. With the success of delivering vaccines to the first four priority groups, NHS staff and pharmacies will now begin vaccinating people aged 65 to 69 and those who are clinically vulnerable against Covid-19.
Speaking after visiting the sites, Mr Mak thanked the pharmacies for joining the vaccination programme.
Alan Mak MP said: “We’ve delivered the fastest vaccination programme in Europe thanks to the hard work and dedication of our doctors, nurses, NHS staff and volunteers. As the vaccine rollout accelerates, pharmacies are playing a key role by providing residents with quick and easy access to vaccinations.
“I was delighted to visit two new vaccination centres that have opened locally in the Greywell Shopping Centre and at Laly’s Pharmacy in Portsmouth where I met the exceptional staff and volunteers helping with the rollout. Well done to everyone involved.”
As the next phase of the vaccination programme begins the Government is urging anyone aged 70 or over who has not yet done so to book an appointment online, contact their GP or dial 119 right away. If you are not in one of the top four priority groups, you should continue to wait to be contacted by your GP or the NHS.
Pushpinder Laly, a Havant resident who owns the Laly’s Pharmacy, said: “We were delighted to welcome Alan to our vaccination centre. It’s fantastic to be part of the Government’s Coronavirus Vaccination Programme and if you are contacted by the NHS I encourage you book an appointment.”
Pictures:
Alan Mak MP with some of the volunteers helping at the Greywell Pharmacy in Leigh Park
Alan Mak MP with Pushpinder and Baldev Laly at the Laly Pharmacy in Portsmouth
