PRIME Minister Boris Johnson has paid tribute to the extraordinary efforts of COVID-19 vaccinators in Warrington via a private video call.
Mr Johnson and his wife Carrie met with Dr Laura Mount and her vaccination team, including Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, to find out more about the Warrington vaccination programme and thank staff for their tireless work.
On the call, Boris Johnson thanked the vaccinators for the “exhausting work” they’re doing to protect the people of Warrington.
The Prime Minister said: “This Christmas will be significantly better than last year thanks to the work you do. I know you must be exhausted. It was a massive ask that we asked of you, but you and the public have responded brilliantly. It’s an amazing thing you’re doing.”
Last week, the Prime Minister hailed the work done by vaccinators in his public briefing, singling out the work done by Dr Mount and her team to ensure Warrington communities have access to COVID-19 vaccinations.
More than 118,000 vaccinations have been administered across Warrington, with more than 30,000 boosters given since the government opened the jab to everyone aged 18 and over on 12 December 2021.
Dr Laura Mount, local GP and Clinical Director of Central and West Warrington Primary Care Network, said: “I’m exceptionally proud of the work done by my team to protect as many people as possible during the COVID-19 pandemic and I’m equally proud to have it recognised by the Prime Minister. The vaccination programme has been a huge challenge, but one we’ve risen to.
“The COVID-19 vaccine is the best way of protecting yourself and your loved ones from serious illness and hospitalisation and we know the booster is able to protect against the new variant.
“We know a wave of infection is coming so don’t put off getting your vaccine – book yours as soon as you get your invitation from the NHS or look on Grab a Jab to see where you can just come along and get your jab. That way you will protect yourself and those around you now.”
Around 25,000 of the 118,000 Warrington jabs have been given by clinically trained vaccinators provided by Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service since the start of the pandemic.
Station Manager Andy Gray is co-ordinating the Service’s support to the booster vaccination effort across Cheshire. He took part in the call with the Prime Minister alongside colleague Kirsty Jennings, a governance officer who is one of more than 70 staff to step up as vaccinators.
Andy said: “Although it is very different to our day jobs, firefighters and fire staff have been motivated to support this programme because they recognise the life-saving difference it is making to our communities.
“In that respect, it is not so different to what we trained to do. It is a privilege to work side by side with our hardworking NHS colleagues and support them in whatever way we can.”
NHS Warrington Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) Clinical Chief Officer Dr Andrew Davis added: “We’re extremely proud of how all our local teams across Warrington have risen to the challenge and of what they have achieved since the start of the pandemic.
“I’d like to thank Laura and everyone else involved in the vaccination programme, including all the volunteers, health and care providers and wider stakeholders for the vital they work they have done – and continue to do – to keep people safe. I urge everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated, we have lots of walk-in appointments across Warrington or you can book online or via the text from your GP practice.”
In line with national guidance, there must be at least a three-month gap between your second jab and your booster vaccination.
In Halton and Warrington, booster vaccinations are being delivered at a number of local locations to make access easier. Please be aware that, in some cases, you may be required to travel for your vaccination appointment.
If eligible, you can arrange your booster vaccination at a local clinic in the following ways:
· Attending a local walk-in vaccination clinic
· Online via the National Booking Service (or by calling 119),
· Responding to an invitation from the NHS
· Via the Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals booking page
The NHS will notify you with the details of local pop-up vaccination clinics as and when they are available.
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