First drive-through vaccine centre opens in Leicestershire

From Wednesday 2nd February, for the first time, local people were able to get the covid vaccine without having to get out of their vehicle, as a drive-through vaccine centre opened in Leicestershire.

Situated outside County Hall in Glenfield, on the outskirts of Leicester city, this is the first centre of its kind in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland and the local NHS hopes that its convenience will prove to be popular.

Dr Caroline Trevithick, Executive Director of Nursing, Quality and Performance and Deputy Chief Executive of the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Clinical Commissioning Groups, said: "Finding new and inventive ways of working has been key since the start of the covid pandemic. Creating a drive through vaccine clinic is just one example of thinking outside the box, making it quick and easy for people to get the jab.

"You can simply turn up, or if you prefer you can book a timed slot in advance. It's designed to fit around people's busy lives. Families will be able to get the vaccine together, from the comfort of their car, and drive off with confidence that they are now protected against covid."

Whilst remaining in the car, a vaccinator administers the jab, and the whole process takes around five minutes for each person. If the driver has been vaccinated, you are advised to then wait for 15 mins afterwards to check that all is well before heading off on your way. If only passengers have been vaccinated, you are free to drive away as soon as they have had the vaccine.

Leicestershire County Council leader Councillor Nick Rushton said: "We are really pleased to be have been able to find space for Leicestershire's first drive through vaccination centre at County Hall and support our NHS colleagues.

"Vaccines are still our very best defence against Covid-19 and we want to encourage people to get jabbed with the virus still a real threat to residents.

"This new centre will make it easier and more convenient for people to get vaccinated."

The clinic is located on the car park to the rear of County Hall, Leicester Road, Glenfield LE3 8RA and is open every Wednesday to Sunday, 11am to 7pm. Vaccines will be available to people aged 12 years and over and this includes first, second, third and booster doses.

There is ample car parking space on site and the clinic will be able to vaccinate up to 720 people each day.

Source: NHS Leicester City Clinical Commissioning Group