Volunteer call for York Covid-19 booster jab clinics

The clinics, run by the Priory Pharmacy in Acomb, are held every Sunday between 10am and 6pm at the site to help boost the Covid jabs of vulnerable people and people over the age of 50.

Between seven and eight volunteers are needed for each clinic, on both morning and afternoon shifts, to help to support less able into the site, book patients on iPads, man the desk and monitor people for 15 mins after their jab.

Nikki and Ashley Cohen, who lead the pharmacy in Acomb, said: "We’re 100 per cent committed to doing it, but it’s a massive undertaking. Running a full vaccination centre needs a whole new workforce and there’s a lot to do.

"We really rely on the marshals. You need bodies to get people in and out safely and make them feel comfortable, especially as we go into the winter.

"The support has been incredible. People are really motivated to help beat this virus that is spoiling all of our lives. We just need more people involved.

"We need to ensure we have enough people for the booster campaign, which will go back to a lot of the over 70s."

The duo said they have a number of students and local residents who volunteer and people who are retired and want to give their time.

"Everyone says they really enjoy being a part of it - it’s a great atmosphere and it’s a lovely thing to feel like you’re contributing to something worthwhile. I hope people now recognise the value their local community pharmacies bring", Nikki added.

The pharmacy, which has been supporting the York community for over 12 years, set up a Covid vaccination clinic earlier this year to support the local community in accessing the NHS vaccination programme - helping to deliver 15,000 Covid vaccinations.

The National Bookings System are now open to some people as they become eligible for a booster jab.

Anyone who wishes to volunteer at the Acomb pharmacy's clinics is asked to email coordinator Natalie Rich on: covidclinicvolunteer@gmail.com.