There is growing frustration over the lack of Covid vaccination clinics available in Falmouth.
Falmouth Town Council said its offices had been visited by around 20 members of the public this morning, thinking that vaccine clinics were running there, but it has confirmed that there are none today.
Three 'pop-up' clinics were held in Falmouth last month, two in the council's Atherton Suite on The Moor, but these were one-off clinics and not a regular facility.
Falmouth town and Cornwall councillor Jayne Kirkham said she was "getting really very frustrated" by the situation, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson telling the nation on Sunday night to get their booster jab as soon as they are eligible – but the closest that people in Falmouth can do this is Helston or Truro.
Ms Kirkham said: "[Nadhim] Zahawi and Cherilyn [Mackrory] are telling everyone we’re ramping up booster jabs and to get them quick, but there are still none to get in Falmouth – the closest is Truro.
"Getting really very frustrated by this now."
She said she had contacted the NHS in Cornwall, to be told: "Unfortunately we only have a finite workforce and take advice from Public Health as to where to prioritise clinics. This could be where there is high incidence or there has been little to no access to vaccination for a while. We have clinics planned in Bude, Liskeard, St Ives and Camborne over the coming weeks, however we have discussed returning to Falmouth in the near future.
"Many thanks for your patience whilst we get something organised in Falmouth, please be assured that we are working hard to get the jab to as many people as possible."
Falmouth’s MP, Cherilyn Mackrory, said she had also been pushing for a vaccination clinic in Falmouth following the Prime Minister’s press conference on Sunday evening. urging people to ‘Get Boosted Now’.
She said: “I have been working with colleagues in the NHS and local stakeholders to secure a vaccination clinic in Falmouth. Good progress has been made on this, and it’s looking promising, but I am now renewing calls for a vaccination clinic in Falmouth following the Prime Minister’s plea on Sunday evening.
"We are now facing an emergency in our battle with the new variant, Omicron, and we must urgently reinforce our wall of vaccine protection to keep our friends and loved ones safe.
"To hit the pace we need, we will need to match the NHS’s best vaccination day yet – and then beat it day after day. This will require an extraordinary effort. However, we will only be able to achieve this if we can hit the numbers we need to in places like Falmouth.
"I will continue to work with NHS colleagues and local stakeholders to deliver a vaccination clinic in Falmouth.”
Anyone who can travel and who cannot wait for a pop-up clinic can visit the NHS national booking service or call 119 to arrange a booked appointment at another vaccination site.
Slots are described as limited due to high demand, but with more being added on a daily basis, so people are advised to keep checking back if there are no slots available.
The government has reduced the minimum time between the second jab and booster vaccine to three months, with anyone over the age of 30 able to book from today (Monday, December 13).
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel