Council leaders thank vaccine clinic while urging people to get booster jab

Council leaders urged people to get their Covid booster jab as they praised the people delivering the vital vaccine at a clinic in Faringdon.

Vale of White Horse Leader Emily Smith and Deputy Leader Bethia Thomas, who is ward councillor for Faringdon, visited the White Horse Medical Practice on Thursday 16 December to thank the staff and volunteers who have worked all year to deliver thousands of Covid vaccinations.

They gave chocolates and a thank you card to Dr Rob Russ and his team of staff and volunteers, who have helped give more than 32,000 vaccinations since the clinic opened a year ago.

One practice nurse volunteered during her maternity leave and car park marshals worked in all weathers and even shovelled snow to ensure people could get their vaccine.

The clinic has capacity for more than 500 Covid jabs every day. It has also allowed the main GP service to focus on day-to-day appointments.

Cllr Thomas said: “I’m very proud of the hard work being done by Dr Russ and his team in my ward to help protect us all by getting people vaccinated and they deserve a big thank you. I have been helping out, marshalling shifts in the car park whenever I can, and have volunteered in the big push before Christmas – it is a real team effort.”

Cllr Smith said: “With this new Omicron variant, getting your booster is more important than ever. I’d urge everyone who hasn’t already booked their booster, or first vaccination if they haven’t had one yet, to do so as soon as they can.”

As of December 16,  266,448 Covid jabs have been administered in Vale of White Horse. Check out if you’re eligible and get your booster via nhs.uk/covidvaccination.