BURTON Albion’s Vaccination Centre clocked up a record number of doses in one day with more than 2,500 people receiving a Covid jab on Sunday.
The Pirelli Stadium already had 800 people booked for the morning session and 800 for the afternoon but opened up the centre for walk ins as well, prompting a large number of people to turn up looking to get a vaccination.
The unprecedented number turned up despite the snowfall that made travelling difficult.
Roy Burton, The Vaccination Centre Coordinator, said: “Despite the horrendous weather we had a large number of people tun up and we had to have nine bays operating instead of the usual seven. It was very challenging, but we got through everyone.
“I think the new Omicron variant has encouraged people who hadn’t got appointments to get their jabs. It was mostly boosters, but we did some first and second doses as well.”
The Vaccination Centre was also open on Saturday and Roy and the Burton Albion Community Trust staff and volunteers also took jabs to De Ferrers to vaccinate eligible school pupils.
Roy added: “It was a very busy weekend, but we managed to get everyone done.”
The Burton Albion Vaccination is open on Wednesday from 1pm to 4.30pm; Thursday from 9am to 12.30pm and 1pm to 4.30pm; and Sunday from 9am to 12.30pm and 1pm to 4.30pm. If you haven’t got an appointment but are eligible for a jab there are a limited number of walk ins available at each session.
The centre is giving first doses, second doses and boosters.
You have to wait at least eight weeks after your first jab to have your second dose and then another six months before you are eligible for a booster. You cannot have a jab if you are an adult and have had Covid in the last 28 days. Under 18s have to wait three months after a positive Covid test before they can have a vaccine. Please don’t turn up at the Vaccination Centre if you are not eligible for a jab as you will be turned away.