Newton Abbot vaccination centre announced

It opens on Saturday

Sherborne House in Newton Abbot town centre is to be used as a vaccination site for the Teignbridge district.

The property, which is currently unoccupied but which was due to have its first tenants in the coming months, has been opened up for NHS primary care partners to roll out the first vaccinations for residents in Newton Abbot and surrounding areas, including Bovey Tracey, Kingsteignton, Chudleigh, Kingskerswell and Ipplepen.

Teignbridge District Council chair John Petherick announced the news at a council meeting on Thursday, saying: “This vaccination programme is giving the nation, the region and our local residents a lifeline, and the chance to rebuild our economy and our society, following this turbulent and devastating year of the pandemic.

“We are delighted to be playing a small part in helping this effort by providing a local facility for some of our most vulnerable residents to get their vaccinations and help protect our communities."

Cllr Richard Keeling, executive member for corporate services and assets, said:  “We’re really pleased to be able to work with our NHS partners in providing these facilities for some of our most vulnerable residents to receive their covid vaccinations.

“The availability of this town centre location should make it ideal for residents to make short journeys, and the nearby car park we’re providing will help reduce walking distances for the over 80s.

“Hot on the heels of the first vaccination centres in the district, we’re hoping to see the further rollout of centres across other parts of the district, and would encourage anyone who has received an invitation to take up this important opportunity to protect themselves from this disease, and set us on the road to normality."

Vaccinations will start on Saturday 16 January. Patients at the practices involved will be contacted by their local GP surgery inviting them to attend.