New hub unveiled in Luton as vaccination drive begins

A new NHS health hub has opened in Luton to allow residents to get vaccinated, as the drive to encourage seasonal jabs gets underway.

The Bury Park Health Hub, located at Bury Park Community Centre, 161 Dunstable Road, has been created to allow eligible people of all ages to get the protection they need against infectious diseases, including serious winter illnesses such as flu, covid and respiratory synctitial virus (RSV).  The NHS has issued advice on groups who need to be vaccinated ahead of the winter.

Community leaders joined NHS staff this week to celebrate the official launch of the hub which is an NHS service, so its services are offered free of charge.

From 1 October, winter vaccinations will be available to anyone who is eligible; you can visit the NHS website to check whether you are in one of these groups.  Other school-aged and childhood immunisations, including HPV, polio, tetanus, diphtheria and MMR, will be available from the health hub all year round.

Caroline Shepherd, assistant director for the Community and School Aged Immunisation Service (CSAIS) in the East of England, said:

“We’re hoping our new health hub will be a handy, one-stop shop for people living in the area and the wider community, who at the moment have to travel into town or to their GP for their vaccinations.

“We know, through research, that residents in Bury Park wanted a more convenient location to offer vaccines, so working with Luton Borough Council, NHS England and the Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Luton Integrated Care Board, we designed this new facility.

“We want to make it as easy as possible for people to get their vaccines and protect themselves and their loved ones against serious illness.  If you or someone in the family has missed a vaccine, please stop by and we can help.”

Dr Ele Powers, head of public health commissioning for immunisation in the NHS East of England region, said:

“We know accessibility of services is key to helping families in our region take up the protection of these vaccines.  I’m delighted by the spirit of partnership between the NHS and local community representatives so that we can support vaccination access and uptake for the people of Luton.”

Abdul Ghafoor of Luton Muslim Health Alliance said:

“Prevention works best on your doorstep.  By bringing NHS free vaccines to the community, this hub makes early action easy so families stay well, not just get well.”

To find out more about vaccines and book your appointment, go to www.nhs.uk/vaccinations.