Grab your jab before the centre closes on 14 December.
As the delivery of COVID vaccinations changes, to align to other vaccinations such as for flu, the vaccination centre at Queensway in Stevenage will soon be closing its doors, with the last sessions taking place on 14 December.
Before it closes, the centre will be offering longer opening hours and extra sessions to make it even easier for eligible people to grab a jab when out and about in the area, with no appointment needed. It takes up to two weeks after the jab for the vaccine to offer the maximum protection, so don’t delay and get protected before Christmas.
Getting both the flu and COVID jabs you are eligible for is one of the easiest ways to avoid serious illness this winter, helping you to stay well, protect loved ones and ease the pressure on the NHS.
If you can’t make it to one of the sessions at Queensway, there are lots of other options to get your jab with more than 60 local pharmacies, most GP practices, ‘pop up’ vaccination centres and outreach clinics offering vaccinations and COVID autumn boosters.
More than 3.1 million COVID-19 vaccinations have been administered in Hertfordshire and west Essex since the start of the vaccination campaign, and by the time the last patient rolls up their sleeve, staff working from the Queensway centre will have delivered over 31,000 vaccinations since April this year.
After the closure of the centre, eligible people will continue to be able to get their vaccinations by booking an appointment with a GP-run clinic or at their local pharmacy.
For the latest information and a full list of locations across Hertfordshire and west Essex near you, check online: COVID-19 vaccinations near you – Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care System (hertsandwestessexics.org.uk) You can also book an appointment online at NHS.UK or over the phone by ringing 119.
Children are also being offered the flu vaccine as a nasal spray in school, from reception to year 6 and those at secondary school in year 7 to 11 if they are eligible. GP surgeries are also inviting children who are yet to start primary school, aged two or three (as of 31 August 2022).
Dr Jane Halpin, Chief Executive of the Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care Board said:
“Getting vaccinated against flu and COVID is one of the most important ways to protect yourself and prevent the spread of these viruses to others. Getting your jabs can prevent you from being seriously ill and needing hospital care this winter when viruses circulate more easily.
“The flu jab and COVID booster can even be given at the same time if this service is available to you at your GP practice or community pharmacy. Coming forward is particularly important for those at higher risk to help avoid serious health complications. Both vaccines are safe and effective and are our best defence against these serious illnesses.
“As preparations are made to close the doors on the vaccination centre at Queensway in Stevenage, I’d like to pass on my heartfelt thanks to the staff and all the volunteers who worked there tirelessly to make sure the vaccination programme ran smoothly. They did a tremendous job and have saved people from very serious illness and lasting health problems.
“If you are eligible and have never had a COVID or flu vaccination before, it’s not too late to start now. You will always be welcomed. Make an appointment online, speak to a pharmacist, visit one of our local walk-in clinics or ring 119 for more information.”
For the latest COVID and flu vaccination information in Hertfordshire and west Essex, and to check if you are eligible: hertsandwestessexics.org.uk/covid-19