Shoppers urged to bag a bargain – by getting FREE covid booster

Businesses will be hoping their tills are ringing over the coming days, with the Boxing Day and New Year sales being one of the highlights of the shopping calendar.

But it is also a busy time for the covid vaccination programme – and sites at locations including the Darwin Centre in Shrewsbury, and Southwater and Telford International Centre will be on hand to ensure people can also get their booster jab.

That is more important than ever, with expectation growing that the Omicron variant is set to sweep across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin in January.

Angie Wallace, Senior Responsible Officer for the vaccination programme in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, said: “Your booster jab really is the ultimate bargain for the Boxing Day and January sales.

“It’s completely free of course, and comes with free peace of mind and free protection for you, as well as your family and friends.

“We have sites in some of our area’s most prominent shopping locations, and our fantastic caring teams are ready and waiting to give you your jabs.

“All our other sites are also open as usual, whether for booked appointments or walk-ins, so there really is an option for everyone.

“If you were waiting for Christmas to pass, then now is the time to come forward and get your booster. We know Omicron is coming our way, and we know people need that booster to give them the protection they need, so please come and get it now.”

The vaccination programme has been turbo-charged across the country – with a national effort to deliver more than 18 million boosters by the end of the year starting on 13 December.

Across Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, more than 70,000 boosters have been given out since the campaign launched, and the team will be working at full speed over the next few days to try and complete the campaign by New Year’s Eve.

“It’s been inspiring to see how hard everyone has worked, and I’ve heard so many stories about staff who have put their Christmas plans on hold to play their part. I’m extraordinarily grateful to them all,” added Angie.

“I’m also grateful to every single member of the public who has come forward to get their booster jab. This really is a matter of life and death – and together we will save countless lives in the weeks ahead.”

A full list of sites, including opening times, can be found on the Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Integrated Care System’s website.