THE borough's first walk-in vaccination clinic opens on Sunday.

The walk-in clinic will be held at the Memory Lane Function Hall, Gilnow Lane, between 10am and 4pm

Anyone who is aged 50 or over, a registered carer, shielding or has a long term health condition and is registered at one of 26 GP practices is eligible to attend.

However, organisers will turn away anyone who doesn’t fit the vaccination criteria. They are also unable to vaccinate people from other GP practices.

The walk-in clinic is a pilot and for people who fit the criteria and have not yet had their first dose.

The full list of GP practices taking part in the walk-in clinic are as follows:

Central Primary Care Network:

Deane Medical Centre, Dr Loomba, Dr Zarrouk, Beehive Surgery, Orient House Medical Centre, Dr Dakshina-Murthi, Dr Sidda, Al Fal Medical Group, Deane Clinic, 3D Medical Centre, Bolton General Practice, Bolton Medical Centre, The Olive Family Practice.

Rumworth Primary Care Network:

Dr Counsell and Partners, Swan Lane Medical Centre, Garnet Fold Practice, Shanti Medical Centre.

Chorley Roads Primary Care Network:

Dalefield Surgery, Spring House Surgery, Heaton Medical Centre, Cornerstone Surgery, Dr James-Authe and Partner.

Farnworth and Kearsley Primary Care Network:

Kearsley Medical Centre, Stonehill Medical Centre, Fig Tree Medical Centre, The Farnworth Family Practice.

Each practice is linked to a Primary Care Network that is operated by Bolton GP Federation.

People registered at any of the practices listed are welcome to visit the walk-in clinic between 10am and 4pm – no appointment needed.

Senior Responsible Officer for the Covid-19 Vaccination Programme in Bolton, and Clinical

Senior Responsible Officer for the Covid-19 Vaccination Programme in Bolton, Dr Helen Wall, said: “Our ultimate aim is to ensure everyone who is eligible for their vaccination is given the opportunity to have their jab. By bringing vaccines into a community and removing the need to book an appointment can often make a difference in people’s decisions to have the vaccination.

“A clinic that doesn’t require a pre-booked appointment, once again in the heart of the community, is another way of making vaccinations accessible to as many people as possible. However, we must stress that this vaccination clinic is only open to people registered at the GP practices listed and for those people who are aged 50 and over, a registered carer, shielding or those with a long term health condition who have, for whatever reason, still not had their first dose.

“If you fall into those groups, please get your vaccination this Sunday!”

Michael Smith, Chief Officer, Bolton GP Federation “We’re bringing the vaccine to you - come and get it. If you’re not sure whether or not you want it, come along anyway and talk to one of our doctors or nurses who will answer your questions.”

Marshals who can speak different languages will be on hand to help those whose first language is not English. However, people are advised to bring a family member or someone from their support bubble to help translate if needed.