AROUND 1,000 residents will receive a Covid jab today in Winsford.

A special clinic will be open at Dene Drive Primary Care Centre, run with help from volunteers who will marshal traffic.

The Covid vaccination programme in Winsford has been hailed a success as the vast majority of residents aged over 70 and the clinically extremely vulnerable will have been offered a jab by the end of this weekend.

Around 1,000 residents will receive a Covid jab at Dene Drive Primary Care Centre today

Around 1,000 residents will receive a Covid jab at Dene Drive Primary Care Centre today

Around 1,000 residents will receive a Covid jab at Dene Drive Primary Care Centre today

It follows the meticulously organised clinic last month when 1,000 residents aged over 80 received their second dose.

Swanlow GP Dr Jonathan Griffiths said: "The five practices in the town have been working very closely together to achieve the remarkable feat of getting so many people vaccinated so quickly.

"We would like to thank all the people in Winsford for their ongoing patience in waiting for their invitation and for the orderly way in which they have conducted themselves when attending the clinics – sometimes there have inevitably been queues.

"We have received many words and notes of thanks which means a lot to us all in these difficult times. We truly believe this has been a whole community effort."

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A new delivery of the Pfizer vaccine which arrived yesterday will be administered to residents today.

People attending the clinic are asked not to arrive early and to wear a face covering and warm clothing as they will need to wait 15 minutes in a marquee afterwards.

Volunteers, led by John Malam from Friends of Winsford Town Park, will be on hand to look after patients as they wait outside.

Dr Griffiths said: "The practices in Winsford have continued to undertake Covid vaccinations almost every week over the past six weeks, predominantly using the AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine.

Swanlow GP Dr Achla Damania and practice nurse Anita Keal at a Covid vaccination clinic

Swanlow GP Dr Achla Damania and practice nurse Anita Keal at a Covid vaccination clinic

Swanlow GP Dr Achla Damania and practice nurse Anita Keal at a Covid vaccination clinic

"We still have some AstraZeneca vaccines, so some patients from Willow Wood and Launceston Close will receive invitation to their own practice and are advised not to drive for 15 minutes following their vaccination."

Many people have been asking doctors about the possible side effects and when they will receive the second dose of the vaccine.

"For both vaccines, the Pfizer and AstraZeneca, the most common side effect is a sore arm that settles over a few days," said Dr Griffiths.

"Some people also experience a flu like illness with headache, shivers, fever, aches and pains. These symptoms seem to be settling after 24-48 hours.

Loving husband Geoffrey Greenhough, 84, was the first Winsford resident to receive a Covid jab, pictured here after having his second dose

Loving husband Geoffrey Greenhough, 84, was the first Winsford resident to receive a Covid jab, pictured here after having his second dose

Loving husband Geoffrey Greenhough, 84, was the first Winsford resident to receive a Covid jab, pictured here after having his second dose

"With regard to the second dose – everyone will require this regardless of the vaccine you receive.

"Current UK guidelines are to have your second jab within 12 weeks of your first. We will invite you for this and it will be towards the end of the 12 week period.

"You do not need to do anything else regarding this at the moment if you have been vaccinated at our primary care network site by the practices in Winsford. "

Some people who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons at the moment but will be are offered the jab when appropriate.

Doctors would like to thank community services staff for their help in vaccinating patients who are housebound and unable to attend our vaccination centre.

“We will be turning our attention to people aged 65-69," said Dr Griffiths. "If you are in this cohort, please wait until we contact you, you do not need to call us.

"If you are 70 or older and have not received an invitation, please do call your practice to ask about this. We believe we have invited all eligible, but if you are over 70 and think we have missed you please contact us."