WIDNES has been selected as one of the pilot sites for an NHS scheme to roll out the life-saving coronavirus jab in chemists.

Appleton Village Pharmacy is one of just six chemists which will start vaccinations today, Thursday. 

Up to 70 more pharmacies will taking bookings for next week and hundreds will transform into pop-up vaccination centres by the end of the month.

Widnes's store was chosen as it was 'capable of delivering large volumes while allowing for social distancing'. 

The other pilot locations are in Halifax, Macclesfield, Guildford, Edgware and Telford to offer the 'best geographical spread' of sites for the biggest vaccination programme in NHS history.

Dr Bruce Warner, deputy chief pharmaceutical officer, said: “The NHS coronavirus vaccination programme, the biggest in health service history, has got off to a great start with more than 2.4 million jabs delivered.

“Pharmacy teams have been working incredibly hard throughout the pandemic and, as we accelerate the vaccination programme, they are playing a vital role in delivering the life-saving jabs to those in their communities.

“We know that people are very keen to get the vaccine but we are appealing to people not to turn up early so that we can maintain social distancing.”

People invited to make an appointment through the new national booking service will be given a choice between a vaccination centre or a pharmacy service.

It will not be possible to use the NHS Covid-19 vaccination booking service if you have not received an invitation letter.

Spots are being given first to those in high risk categories.

Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock said: “It is fantastic that high-street pharmacies will now begin deploying Covid-19 vaccinations. Pharmacies sit at the heart of communities and will make a big difference to our rollout programme by providing even more local, convenient places for those that are eligible to get their jab.

“Pharmacists have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic, often acting as the first port of call for medical advice - and often staying open when all around have closed. I want to extend my thanks to every pharmacy for their efforts to support the national response to the pandemic and keep people safe.”

Vaccines Minister Nadhim Zahawi said: “Staff across the NHS have pulled out all the stops to help ramp up vaccinations and are working day and night to keep people safe.

“Pharmacies play a vital role in caring for the nation and I am really pleased to see them coming on stream to help with the national vaccine roll-out effort.”

Simon Dukes, chief executive of the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee, added: “It is fantastic to see the first community pharmacy Covid-19 vaccination sites going live this week and we look forward to seeing more pharmacies involved in the programme in due course. We know that patients will value this and that pharmacies can make a significant contribution to the national vaccination efforts.”