Sefton health bosses are hailing their boots-on-the-ground approach to boosting vaccination rates a success.

By the third of four planned days, drop-in vaccination slots being promoted at the Knowsley Road Pharmacy in Bootle were filling up and local people were making online and telephone appointments for jabs.

Margaret Jones, Sefton Council’s director of public health, said: “By going out and talking to people in parts of Sefton’s Derby and Linacre wards where numbers of people vaccinated were lower, we found people were keen to get their jabs but just needed more information.

“Some thought that because they had not been able to attend their vaccination appointment on the letter they had received, they had missed their chance while others were unclear where jabs were available.

“By going out to these areas, where we know people are juggling busy work and school lives and are less likely to engage with our social media and online messages, has provided the additional information people have needed to access the vaccinations that will enable them to protect themselves and others.

Sefton Council’s COVID engagement officers and members of its swab squad have been out, last week and this week, in Sefton’s L20 postcode area talking to residents and handing out flyers with details of how to access vaccinations.

Knowsley Road Pharmacy reported last week that they had been significantly busier and this week their sessions have filled up fast.

Dr Pete Chamberlain, local GP and chair of NHS South Sefton CCG, said: “Whether you need your first, second or booster jab there are lots of places to get your vaccination across Sefton as well as Knowsley Road.

“Anyone in Sefton aged 18 and over, can find a walk-in vaccination site or book a vaccination appointment at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus-vaccination or by calling 119 free.

“And those over 16 are also eligible and can book their first vaccine online or go to a walk-in session.

“Our vaccination sites at Netherton Health Centre, Seaforth Village Surgery and local pharmacies are also there to get you vaccinated and are busy which is great to hear so we are asking you to call and book a time slot before coming down.”

Margaret Jones reminded people that local COVID-19 infection rates remain high and the best way to keep them down is vaccinations. 

She added: “I am pleased that during this exercise, our teams have called at thousands of addresses and spoken to hundreds of people but have only encountered a handful who are opposed to the vaccines themselves, based upon the disinformation that has been spread.

“It is clear that with a little help, the vast majority of people are prepared to take the action required to protect themselves, their families their friends and colleagues.”

After the success of this initial exercise, Sefton Council is considering other parts of the borough where it might be repeated.

For appointments at nearby vaccination sites, people can call to book a time slot at:

• Seaforth Village Surgery – 07979938229
• Netherton Health Centre – 0151 247 6413
• Davey’s Chemist – 0151 476 0007
• Smarts Chemist – 0151 922 4984
• Asda Pharmacy. Bootle – 0151 955 4120
• Bridge Road Chemist – 0151 920 6361