Once again, Sefton Council’s COVID engagement officers will be out in the south of the borough reminding people that local drop-in COVID-19 vaccinations are available on Wednesday and Thursday.

With COVID-19 numbers rising and national calls for further measures to prevent the virus’s spread, Sefton Council and NHS South Sefton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) are focusing on areas where lower numbers of people have had their first or second COVID-19 vaccination.

Free, drop-in vaccinations will be available at the Knowsley Road Pharmacy from 9.30am to 5.30pm on Wednesday 27 October and Thursday 28 October this week. Knowsley Road Pharmacy is at 125 Knowsley Rd, Bootle L20 4NJ.

The COVID Engagement Officers, who were joined by members of the council’s swab squad, called at properties on Moore Street, Norton Street, Eliott Street, Pope Street, Hornby Road, Mildmay Road, Markfield Road and the Knowsley Road Antique Centre, in Sefton’s L20 postcode area. They spoke to residents who were at home when they called and handed out flyers with details of the drop-in sessions. They also left flyers at properties where there was no answer.

Feedback from the pharmacy after the teams were out promoting the drop-in sessions last week, was that they had been significantly busier and that many people said they came to get their vaccine after receiving the flyer.

Margaret Jones, Sefton Council’s director of public health, said:“COVID-19 infection rates are rising and the best way to keep them down and for people to protect themselves and others from infections is vaccinations.

“Last week we started targeting one of the areas where fewer people have had both jabs and I am pleased to hear that if has been working, with more people showing up at the Knowsley Road Pharmacy drop-in sessions.

“I would like to thank our teams who will be out and about again this week, hopefully in better weather, as well as our colleagues at the Knowsley Road Pharmacy and NHS South Sefton CCG."

Dr Pete Chamberlain, local GP and chair of NHS South Sefton CCG, said: “It’s important that we reach those communities who, for whatever reason, may not have been able to get their COVID-19 vaccine and it’s great to hear that the team going out and knocking on peoples doors has made a difference in this area.

“It’s really easy to get your vaccine, you can find a walk-in vaccination site or book a vaccination appointment on the NHS website. Anyone in Sefton aged 18 and over, can get their first and second doses of COVID-19 vaccine by booking an appointment at a larger vaccination centre or pharmacy now. Those over 16 are also eligible and can book their first vaccine online or go to a walk-in and children aged 12-15 are now being offered their first dose at school.”

Information and useful links including easy-read guides about vaccinations can be found at www.sefton.gov.uk/COVID-vaccinations.

Map showing location of Knowsley Road Pharmacy People can find a walk-in vaccination site or book a COVID-19 vaccination appointment, please visit the NHS website: www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19

Knowsley Road Pharmacy is at 125 Knowsley Rd, Bootle L20 4NJ.