Blackburn Bus Station to welcome back pop-up COVID-19 vaccination centre

A pop-up COVID-19 vaccination centre is back at Blackburn Bus Station next week as the spring booster campaign gets under way.

Those who are eligible for the latest jab – including over-75s and people who are immunocompromised, such as cancer patients and organ transplant recipients – can book an appointment between 9am and 4pm each day (except Sundays) from Monday 17 April to Friday 5 May. The site will also be able to vaccinate any adults still requiring their first and second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.

The spring booster campaign started earlier this month to protect the most vulnerable in society, with COVID-19 still circulating widely.

Jane Scattergood, senior responsible officer for the Lancashire and South Cumbria COVID-19 vaccination programme, said: “The best way to protect yourself is to get the vaccine as soon as you are eligible. COVID-19 is still having a big impact and older people are still most at risk of developing severe illness and being hospitalised.

“We want to ensure that everyone gets the protection they need as quickly and conveniently as possible. The Blackburn Bus Station pop-up centre is really handy for those visiting the town centre, and there is no need to book ahead – just walk in.”

Blackburn Bus Station hosted a pop-up vaccination centre last autumn and its town centre location proved ideal for those who travel into town on buses.

Abdul Razaq, director of public health for Blackburn with Darwen, added: “I’m really pleased that we’re able to work with the NHS to offer this pop-up vaccination centre in Blackburn once again. The bus station is very accessible and has previously proven to be popular choice as a COVID-19 vaccination site.  

“Recently there seems to have been more cases of COVID-19 in our local communities, which serve as a reminder that the virus has not gone away and we must bolster our defences to live with it.

“Sadly, the virus poses the biggest threat to health and wellbeing to people aged 75 years and older, residents in care homes for older people, and those aged five years and over with a weakened immune system. Having the spring booster is the best way to top up your immunity if you fall within these vulnerable groups, and I would urge all eligible residents not to delay and get vaccinated in the next two weeks.” 

People who are over 75, immunocompromised or still to have a first or second vaccination are all eligible, but must ensure their appointment takes place at least three months since their last dose.

Anyone who believes they should be eligible for a vaccine but does not get invited can self-declare via the National Booking Service or by phoning 119.