It has been confirmed that Derby Arena will continue to be used as a vaccination site until 31 August 2021.
Derby Arena began operating as a vaccination site in January 2021 and is now Derbyshire’s largest hub for COVID-19 jab appointments.
At the beginning of this month, Derby Arena surpassed a landmark 100,000 vaccinations completed on site, thanks to the hard work of all the teams involved.
Vaccinations at the Arena are being carried out by five Primary Care Networks (PCNs) working together, representing 30 GP practices around the city who are inviting their eligible patients in for jabs and also by Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust who are operating appointments under the public vaccination system for any eligible people booking via the National Booking System. Vaccinations are all by appointment only.
Derby and Derbyshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is managing the rollout of the vaccine across the county.
NHS executive William Jones, who led the setting up of the public vaccination service at Derby Arena on behalf of Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust, said:
It has been a tremendous effort, involving hundreds of people, to provide this vital life-saving vaccination service over the past few months. None of it would have been possible without close working between the NHS, Derby Arena staff and Derby City Council to ensure this fantastic venue could be pressed into action as a vaccination centre within a short space of time earlier this year.
We’re delighted now to have the opportunity to continue to run the vaccination centre at the Arena right up until the end of August. It will do much to help keep the people of Derby and Derbyshire safe. We would urge anyone who is eligible to take up the vaccine offer.
Dr Robyn Dewis, Director of Public Health, Derby City Council, added:
Derby Arena has been an excellent venue for carrying out COVID vaccinations and the dedication and hard work shown by everyone involved has been heartening to see.
It’s incredibly welcome that we can keep this site operating for the next couple of months to continue the successes we have had so far with the vaccination roll-out in Derby.
I’d encourage anyone who is eligible for the jab but has not already had it to book as soon as possible. The COVID vaccination is a vital aspect of our slowing transmission locally and nationally, and ultimately, reducing the need for restrictions.
Currently, everyone in the country over the age of 45 who has not had their COVID vaccination is invited to do so online.
Those who have been invited to book their second jab are also strongly encouraged to do so as soon as possible to ensure the maximum possible protection from the virus.
People should not contact their GP about a vaccination unless asked to do so and should not attend any vaccination site without an appointment.