New Vaccination Centre opens at Shrewsbury Indoor Bowls Centre

The first person vaccinated at the centre this morning was 72-year-old John Hughes, a semi-retired farmer from Pontesbury.

People who book into Shrewsbury’s Vaccination Centre at Shrewsbury Indoor Bowls Centre will be greeted by a team who will marshal car parking and register them when they arrive.

Bookings are staggered to allow social distancing, and people are urged to support the smooth running of the centre by not arriving more than 10 or 15 minutes before their appointment time. They will receive a health status check and a pre-vaccination assessment before they have their jab. The whole process should take under 30 minutes.

Following the opening of the Vaccination Centre, Dean Carroll, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for adult social care, public health and climate change, said:

“The NHS roll out of the vaccination programme marks a significant step forward in the fight against COVID-19. We are proud to have played our part by facilitating the vaccination centres at both Shrewsbury Indoor Bowls Centre next to Shrewsbury Sports Village, and Ludlow Racecourse.

“In recent weeks we have worked closely with our local NHS organisations, volunteers and other local partners to help them deliver the vaccination programme in Shropshire, and I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all those who have helped in the collective effort.

“In the meantime, we need to give the vaccines the best possible chance to succeed by continuing our efforts to stop the spread of the virus now by adhering to the current restrictions. This means following all the measures – keeping up the basics of hand-washing, social distancing and wearing face coverings in public spaces. It is also imperative that anyone who tests positive or who is identified as a close contact must self-isolate to prevent the spread of the virus.”

Free Shuttle Bus

A free shuttle bus service operating to and from the venue, the service is being operated by Arriva in partnership with Shropshire Council.

Services VS1 and VS2 will run every 20 minutes throughout the day, with Shuttle VS1 running from 0735 until 2015, and Shuttle VS2 running from 0745 until 1945.

The shuttles will serve key locations around Shrewsbury, picking up passengers travelling to the Vaccination Centre. VS1 will serve Bayston Hill, Meole Brace – Moneybrook Way, Abbey Foregate – Shirehall and Monkmoor Road. VS2 will serve the Harlescott Park and Ride site and Coton Hill.

All buses will undergo a daily enhanced cleaning regime, which includes the deep cleaning of all touch points with a suitable disinfectant. Customers are asked to follow social distancing rules on board the services wherever possible, by not using seats that have been taped off for their own and the driver’s protection. Face coverings must be worn at all times. Exemptions apply.

Jack Grove, General Manager, Arriva, said: “We work very closely with Shropshire Council and we are proud to assist them with this real community effort. These shuttle services will provide greater access for vaccination appointments.”