THE team providing Northwich with a route out of the Covid gloom is overwhelmed by the support it has received so far.

Kingsmead Medical Centre, in Kingsmead Square, is hosting the coronavirus vaccination clinic for Northwich’s primary care network.

Vaccinations began at the medical centre, which is run by Danebridge Medical Practice, last Friday before resuming this Wednesday and continuing today, January 15.

Hundreds of residents who are most vulnerable to complications from Covid-19 have received the jab so far – including care home residents and other pensioners over the age of 80.

“It feels great to be part of the solution,” said Mandy Skelding-Jones, business manager at Danebridge.

“When you phone a patient up and offer them an appointment at the Covid vaccination clinic, it’s so nice.

“Their appreciation is unbelievable and it’s such a joyful thing to offer them the vaccine.”

Residents aged over 80 are still being invited to their appointments, with the community encouraged to sit tight and wait for invitations.

The programme at Kingsmead has warmly welcomed so far, and Mandy is grateful to the Northwich community for its support.

“It has gone well so far,” she said.

“It has been well received and we have received some really positive feedback on social media and in person.

“We would like to thank the community for being so understanding with us throughout this.”

The practice has been overwhelmed by people coming forward to volunteer at the site following an appeal by Kingsmead Parish Council, providing support on traffic management.

With most of the town yet to have its vaccine, residents are being assured that the jab is being given out as safely as possible, with extra care being given to anyone with allergies.

“I have not heard of anybody that has had an issue at the clinic or any adverse reactions,” Mandy said.

“We are making sure that everybody that has got allergies has their needs reviewed and we are doing everything that we can to keep people safe.”

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The NHS wants to have the top four priority groups vaccinated by mid-February – and residents will need to brave the cold when it is their turn for the jab.

“You have to wait 15 minutes after you have had the vaccine in a tent outside,” added Mandy.

“We try to keep it as warm as possible, but we would advise people to wrap up warm while keeping their arm accessible. Put a scarf and gloves on.”