Get your jab at the One Stockport Hub this week

Give yourself a gift by getting you and your loved ones vaccinated before Christmas. The One Stockport Hub opens its doors for three more days of COVID-19 vaccinations from Thursday, 9 December – Saturday, December 11,10am-3pm.

As Christmas approaches, Stockport Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is encouraging everyone to consider organising their jabs or boosters as soon as possible.

During the festive holidays, it is likely that people may socialise more, so it’s essential to apply our knowledge about COVID-19 to protect ourselves, our family and friends.

In conjunction with disciplined hand hygiene and wearing face coverings in public places (now mandatory unless exempt), having vaccines or boosters is one of the best ways to create a defence against the virus.

The One Stockport Hub, (in the former Argos store) in Merseyway, runs on a first come, first served basis and no appointment is needed. The pop up is open every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 10am -3pm, until Saturday, 18 December.

The clinic may end slightly earlier than planned if all vaccines have been administered and given the growing demand for vaccines and boosters, people may need to be prepared to queue.

People now aged 40+ along with those in high risk groups, who have had their second jab at least three months ago can also go in for their booster.

GP practices will not be able to provide further information about these latest changes to the vaccination programme, so it’s important that people wait to be contacted by the NBS or GP practices.

The One Stockport Hub will provide first and second vaccinations; boosters for those 40+ and having their last dose at least three months ago; vaccinations for 12-15 year olds who may have missed theirs; and 16-18 year olds first or second doses.

You don’t need to take any ID with you, just confirm your name, date of birth and address. But you can find your NHS number with this handy tool: Find My NHS Number.

Dr Cath Munro, Chair of NHS Stockport Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “Our latest targeted measures to limit the spread of the new Covid-19 variant, Omicron, include mandatory face coverings in public places including public transport and shops unless individuals are exempt. But getting jabbed, or a booster jab, is the singular other act we can do to reduce the risk of getting very serious symptoms of the virus or even being hospitalised, neither of which are what we want or need – especially during our time of holidays and time-out.

“The pop up at One Stockport Hub is convenient, it’s walk-in so there’s no booking, and you’re seen as soon as the staff can get to you. And what’s more, it’s peace of mind for you and for those you’ll choose to spend time with during Christmas.”

Councillor Jude Wells, Cabinet Member for Adult Care and Health at Stockport Council, said: “The demand for vaccines and boosters in Stockport has reached an admirable level. However, there are still some people who need to get their first and second vaccines, so we ask anyone who knows people like this to gently encourage them, or even help them to get to a vaccine centre. Maybe they need help to understand how to get it?

“Having a vaccine is a savvy decision – it’s about sufficiently respecting our own health, and the health of others, to get protected by a vaccine or a booster. We fully encourage everyone in Stockport to take action this winter and do the right thing for themselves and those they love and care about.”