Vaccination centre trials walk in service for over 50s – 1st dose only

Saturday 3 April – 10am to 4pm

GP surgery teams are piloting an additional vaccination walk in service on Saturday 3 April (10am to 4pm) in Cheltenham for those people aged 50 and over who have yet to take up the offer of their 1st dose.

Excellent progress has been made with the large majority of people in the current priority groups in Gloucestershire receiving their 1st dose.

Members of the public will be given the opportunity to talk with doctors and other health care professionals at the site at St Paul’s Medical Centre, Cheltenham about vaccination and discuss any issues or concerns.

GP lead at the vaccination centre at St Paul’s Medical Centre, Cheltenham, Dr Cameron Jackson said:

“Due to the fantastic work of local vaccination teams and the great response from our patients, overall uptake has been great, but some people may have not booked an appointment for their first dose, or been hesitant, for a variety of reasons. We will have doctors and other staff on hand to talk with those walking in to provide reassurance and information about vaccination and the vaccine. We are really pleased to be able to trial this service, building on the success of the vaccine roll out to date. We want to reassure local people that we have got a friendly, professional team here on site who are happy to answer questions, provide information and listen to any concerns they might have. We are encouraging all those eligible people aged 50 and over, who have yet to take up their offer of vaccination, to do so to protect themselves, their loved ones and their communities.”

People are encouraged to walk to the centre or use public/alternative transport options if possible.

Although car parking is available, it is limited and the team at the centre are keen to keep congestion to a minimum for patients and staff.

Everyone attending will be asked to observe social distancing rules and other precautions so people may experience a wait on the day. The vaccination team is grateful for everyone’s understanding, patience and support.

People aged 50 and over should not attend the walk-in service if:

  • they have already made an appointment at a vaccination centre in the county
  • they have already received their first dose of vaccine or both doses
  • they have symptoms of COVID-19, or have had a positive COVID-19 test within the last 4 weeks.