Reassurance from CCG over temporary closure of Bedford Heights vaccination centre

A vaccination centre in Bedford will temporarily close for three weeks following delays importing the coronavirus vaccine into the UK.

NHS Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Clinical Commissioning Groups (BLMK CCG) confirmed there will be a pause to vaccine appointments at the Bedford Heights hub on Manton Lane, but emphasised that the closure was purely temporary.

A spokesperson said: “Our focus currently, in response to the national vaccine situation, is to ensure that there is enough supply for those existing second dose appointments.”

In a letter to local health organisations last week, the NHS warned of a “significant reduction in the weekly supply” of coronavirus vaccines in England in April.

The Department of Health and Social Care said there will be no permanent closures of vaccine centres.

“We want to reassure the public that none of our vaccination centres are closing permanently,” said the CCG’s spokesperson.

“We have made excellent progress in the provision of the vaccine to our adult population. Anyone concerned about their second vaccination should either contact their GP or NHS 119.”

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