Two special COVID-19 vaccination clinics for people with learning disabilities and autism are to be held in Stoke-on-Trent this month (February).
The dedicated clinics for people aged 18 and over will take place at the Tunstall Vaccination Centre, at the Daniel Platt Business Centre, in Tunstall, on Friday, 11 February and Friday, 18 February between 9am and 12pm.
Dr Paddy Hannigan, Clinical Lead for the vaccination programme in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, said: “Getting your vaccine and booster doses is the most effective way to keep yourself and your family safe against COVID-19 this winter and we want to ensure that this offer of protection is available to everyone in our community.
“Some people with learning disabilities and autism do not feel comfortable visiting crowded or clinical environments or attending regular vaccination clinics and we want to ensure that they have an opportunity to get their vaccine doses along with everyone else.
“These clinics in Tunstall are designed to offer people in this vulnerable group extra reassurance and support during their visit and we are working hard to make sure that each appointment is as person-centred as possible.”
During the clinics learning disability nurses will be on hand to support vaccinators and the layout of the centre will be changed to create a calming atmosphere with individual rooms and a low stimulus environment for each patient. It is estimated that appointments will last up to 15 minutes although staff can be flexible and offer more time if it is needed.
Trained staff will be present to offer expert guidance and person-centred support, specifically for making reasonable adjustments such as offering an iPad, sensory items, dimmed lights or quiet, and to check whether patients have any particular dislikes – such as dislike of a clinical environment – which might affect them during their appointment.
Places at the clinics must be booked in advance and each person with learning disabilities will be asked whether they need a double appointment slot.
Anyone wishing to book a place at one of the clinics should contact lucy.marrow2@combined.nhs.uk for further details. They will need to provide their home and GP addresses, NHS number and date of birth, a list of any medications, a list of any allergies, their medical history (including pregnancy), information about any previously administered COVID-19 vaccines and details of any friends or carers for support if they need them.
Regular COVID-19 vaccination centre appointments and walk-in clinics also continue to be available throughout Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.
Up-to-date details and times for all vaccination walk-in clinics can be found at https://www.twbstaffsandstoke.org.uk/coronavirus/how-to-get-a-vaccine-where-and-travelling
You don’t need to be registered with a GP or have an NHS number to get your jab, but it will be quicker if you do, so take that information with you if you can.
Appointments for vaccines can also be booked online through the National Booking System by visiting www.nhs.uk, or by calling 119.
Don’t miss out. Get vaccinated and get protected.
