A Second Guildford Pharmacy Starts Giving Covid Jabs

Published on: 29 Jan, 2021
Updated on: 30 Jan, 2021

Direct Pharmacy in Madrid Road

By Hugh Coakley

Covid-19 vaccinations are now being given at a second pharmacy in Guildford. There had been no prior announcement by the NHS.

Direct Pharmacy on Madrid Road started administering Covid vaccinations yesterday (January 28). It will be operating from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week, until further notice. To be part of the vaccination programme, pharmacies have to be able to give 1,000 injections per week or an average of 143 per day and 12 an hour.

A marquee has been set up outside the shop presumably to serve as a sheltered waiting area, if required. It was not being used at the time of my visit.

Three volunteers outside the Direct Pharmacy in Madrid Road greeting people coming for the Covid vaccination

Three volunteers are greeting people outside and taking temperatures. Inside a trained pharmacist gives the injections.

Those attending have their temperatures checked

Pamela Coole, 92, who was a secretary for Surrey Advertiser when it was in Martyr Road, was pleased to be having the vaccination. She said: “I’m very happy. There was nothing to it.”

Pamela Coole, 92, just leaving after her vaccination accompanied by Michael Elkins

Volunteer Michael Elkins was accompanying Pamela to have her vaccination. He said: “This is the third person I have taken. It’s been wonderful, very efficient.

“I’m 58 and have had the Pfizer jab last Thursday (January 21). I just asked at G Live while I was taking a person in and they had a standby list. I went back at 7.30pm and they had three doses left. It’s great that they aren’t wasting any.”

The programme is still reported to be on track to meet the government target of vaccinating all over-70s by Feb 15.

Responses to A Second Guildford Pharmacy Starts Giving Covid Jabs

Martin Elliott Reply

January 29, 2021 at 6:33 pm

Whilst of public interest and probably increasing patient convenience, does having more vaccination centres improve the vaccination rate?

After all, G Live closed for a couple of days due to lack of vaccine through the NHS supply chain.

Whilst key-workers may pick up a “spare slot” at the end of the day, isn’t the official message to wait until you are contacted by your NHS GP Surgery?

I’m already hearing people suggesting phoning Super Drug to jump the priority.

Editor’s response: Yes, the official advice is that we should wait to be contacted. Dr Ridsdill-Smith, the clinical lead for “Procare” the federation of GPs in Guildford and Waverley which is organising the vaccination programme, said when interviewed by The Dragon on January 20 that the vaccination rate was accelerating. The prediction remains that the government target of vaccinating all over-70s by Feb 15 will be met.
- Valerie Fance Reply
  
  January 31, 2021 at 10:39 am
  
  Nice picture and good news, but where’s the social distancing?