Blackburn to get new vaccination centre as Cathedral site closes

Blackburn’s COVID-19 vaccination centre is set to move to new premises in preparation for the autumn booster programme.

The mass vaccination site at Blackburn Cathedral will close on Sunday 4 September after delivering almost 200,000 COVID-19 jabs and people who are eligible for their autumn booster vaccine will soon be invited to book in for their jab at Barbara Castle Way Health Centre.

The new vaccination centre will be ready in time for the start of the autumn vaccination programme on Monday 12 September. Anyone who has already booked their jab at Blackburn Cathedral will be contacted to move their appointment to the new location.

Jane Scattergood, lead for the vaccination programme in Lancashire and South Cumbria, said: “The Cathedral was our first mass vaccination site and we have vaccinated almost 200,000 people from the site. I would like to thank the Cathedral leaders who have helped make this site so successful. It is sad to say goodbye, but we know people prefer a much more localised service in Blackburn and that’s what we will bring them. The move will allow us to bring our offer to communities and workplaces making sure everyone gets the protection as quickly and conveniently as possible.

“I would urge everyone who is eligible to get this vaccine as soon as they possibly can. The world has moved forward but COVID-19 is still a horrible virus that can make you seriously ill. The best way to protect yourself is to get every vaccine that is offered to you.”

The Dean of Blackburn, the Very Rev Peter Howell Jones, said: “We are proud to have played our part in this life-saving vaccination programme to immunise our communities against COVID-19.

“A cathedral is a place of welcome, a place of hope and a place of healing so it is apt that we were able to offer the space of our crypt to securely and safely host this clinic and be at the forefront of the fight against this pandemic.

“We pray every day for our nation and our community and especially for the sick and for the vulnerable and would urge everyone to take up the autumn vaccine boosters when they are eligible."

Abdul Razaq, director of public health at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said:

“Blackburn Cathedral vaccination site has been an excellent exemplar of close collaboration and integration of services between the council, NHS and voluntary sector partners. All those who have led the biggest NHS vaccination programme in Blackburn with Darwen can feel proud of their contributions, from centre managers to receptionists, from vaccinators to volunteers and faith leaders who have all supported operations at the site.

“The NHS continues to offer an accessible and convenient way to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and flu. The vaccines remain our best form of defence this winter against serious disease, hospitalisation and death.”

The autumn booster programme does not open until Monday 12 September and the NHS will contact people when it is their turn to book in for the vaccine - you do not need to contact the NHS. 

As with previous campaigns, the oldest and most vulnerable will be called forward first, with people able to book in online or through 119 as long as it has been three months since their last dose. 

The NHS will also roll out the flu vaccine and encourage eligible people to take up the offer from the first of the month where possible.