Halton joins WOW week of walk-ins Covid vaccine campaign

Across Halton and Warrington, many vaccination sites are offering walk-in appointments as part of a week-long push to increase protection against the Omicron variant.

The ‘week of walk-ins (WOW)’ initiative, which runs all this week, aims to raise awareness of how easy and convenient it is to get vaccinated and protected from becoming seriously ill with Covid-19.

Walk-in sites allow people to turn up to participating vaccine clinics without making an appointment and get either a first, second or booster dose of the vaccine around their work and social commitments.

Many of the sites are able to give the vaccine to children aged 12 and over, meaning whole families can take advantage of the walk-in offer.

Dr Andrew Davies, clinical chief officer for Halton and Warrington Clinical Commissioning Groups, is urging people to not delay getting vaccinated and to find a local, convenient walk-in site this week.

He said: “The vaccine is our best protection from the Omicron variant, especially the booster dose, which tops-ups protection from the first two jabs.

“The booster is important, even if you have had Covid-19, and so I urge everyone to come forward.

“As we continue the fight against the virus, I would like to encourage everyone who has not yet been vaccinated or is due a second or booster dose to please come forward.

Dr Andrew Davies, clinical chief officer for Warrington and Halton clinical commissioning groups

“The sites will offer you a warm welcome, and many across Warrington and Halton are available for walk-ins this week.”

Opening times vary and people are being urged to check the national site finder at nhs.uk/grab-a-jab before attending.

Vaccines will be available on a first come, first-served basis and those with appointments at participating clinics will be able to continue to attend at their time slot and receive their vaccine as planned.

Dr Linda Charles-Ozuzu, senior responsible officer for the Covid vaccination programme in the north west, echoed Dr Davis’ call.

She added: “We know that people have busy lives, but protecting yourself and your loved ones against the virus is vital at this time.

“Walk-in sites make it even more convenient for people to get vaccinated, and with this in mind, we have been able to offer more walk-in sites across the region as part of the national WOW week of walk-ins.

“In the north west, we have now vaccinated more than 14million people, including 3.6million booster doses – an incredible effort from NHS staff, volunteers and those who have come forward for their jab.”

All walk-in site details can be found via nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/find-a-walk-in-coronavirus-covid-19-vaccination-site

If you prefer to have an appointment, book via nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination or call 119.