People attending Appleby Horse Fair can get a COVID-19 vaccination while they are there.
Drop-in sessions at Salt Tip Corner are being held today and tomorrow for people who want their jab.
Specialist clinical advice will be provided on the site by a Pharmacist from The Green Tree Pharmacy, from Kirkby Stephen, with St John Ambulance providing the vaccination vehicle bus, vaccinators and other support staff.
The sessions run from 10am until 1pm with the Pfizer vaccine being offered at the site.
The on-site vaccination sessions are open to anyone but NHs bosses hope in particular that members of the gypsy and traveller communities who would like a vaccination but
have not yet had the opportunity, or would like to discuss it further with a clinician, will be able to attend.
Ed Tallis, director of primary care at NHS North Cumbria Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “It is important that we are able to provide people with every chance to get the COVID vaccine, wherever we can. Appleby Horse Fair presented us with an opportunity to reach both gypsy and traveller communities, who may not yet have had this opportunity, but also just to be on-site to vaccinate anyone who has not yet taken up the offer, as this is a big event in Cumbria’s calendar.
“Whilst many may have had their COVID vaccination before coming to the fair, this on-site option ensures that people are still provided with that important opportunity.
“This has been a really excellent example of partnership working getting these popup sessions up and running and special thanks go to The Green Tree Pharmacy, St John Ambulance and also to all of our colleagues working in the Multi-Agency Strategic Co-ordinating Group (MASCG) who do an excellent job every year working with the resident population, the gypsy and traveller community, and ensuring all the relevant agencies work together as required, every year, to support the fair.”
Swee Yen, Pharmacist from The Green Tree Pharmacy said: “We are glad that we arepable to help with these drop-in sessions with easy access and hopefully it will provide an opportunity and be a convenient option to those who haven’t been vaccinated yet.
“It is so important as vaccination adds an extra layer of protection to you, your loved one and the community around you.”
