Avicenna Pharmacy among three community pharmacist-led sites in Wiltshire to offer Covid jab

Three community pharmacies in Wiltshire can now offer the coronavirus vaccines as part of the national rollout.

Avicenna Pharmacy in Swindon, The Pharmacy in Ludgershall and Shaunaks Pharmacy in Westbury now appear on the national coronavirus vaccine booking system.

Reacting to being chosen as a vaccination site, Angela Mavalla, lead pharmacist at Avicenna Pharmacy, told Pharmacy Business: “Pharmacies are within walking distance of many people’s homes, and I know that some of our local residents, particularly those who are less mobile, will appreciate having a choice of a more local venue for their vaccine.

“I’d urge everyone who is invited to have the vaccine to take up the offer, and I really look forward to seeing many familiar faces come through our doors to receive their vaccine.”

These pharmacies been chosen to provide the service that aims to ensure all of the top four priority groups, which includes those over 70, health and care works and the clinically extremely vulnerable people will be able to book their vaccine appointments without needing an invitation.

People over 70 years of age who have yet to be contacted for a Covid-19 vaccine can now book appointments online or over the phone, which can be arranged through the national booking system or by calling 119.

Anyone already booked for a Covid vaccine at a GP-led clinic or vaccination site should keep their appointment.

With the three pharmacy sites added to the total, the number of vaccine clinics in the region has moved to 27 which also include 19 GP-led venues, three hospital-based hubs and two mass vaccination centres.