Two COVID-19 vaccination centres in Bedford and Luton to close

As the delivery of COVID-19 vaccinations changes to resemble more closely the delivery of other vaccinations, such as for flu, two vaccination centres in Bedford and Luton will close on 14 December. These are the centres at Bedford Heights, Manton Lane, Bedford, and at Luton Wellbeing Hub, The Mall, Luton.

Eligible people will be able to grab a jab up to and including Wednesday 14 December, with no appointment needed.

One of the easiest ways to avoid serious illness this winter is by getting the flu and COVID-19 jabs you are eligible for, helping you to stay well, protect loved ones and ease the pressure on the NHS. 

It can take up to two weeks after the jab for the vaccine to offer the maximum protection, so don’t delay and get protected before Christmas.

If you can’t make it to one of the sessions at Bedford Heights or Luton Wellbeing Hub before they close, there are lots of other options to get your jab across Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes, with vaccinations available at almost 40 local pharmacies, as well as GP practices, ‘pop up’ vaccination centres and outreach clinics.

More than 2.2 million COVID-19 vaccinations have been administered in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes since the start of the vaccination campaign.

After the closure of these two centres, eligible people will continue to be able to get their vaccinations by booking an appointment with a GP-run clinic or at a session run by a friendly local pharmacy.

For the latest information and a full list of locations across Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes near you, check online: https://blmkhealthandcarepartnership.org/COVID-19/vaccination-appointments-walk-in-sessions-and-information.  You can also book an appointment online at nhs.uk or by calling 119.

Children are also being offered the flu vaccine as a nasal spray in school, from Reception to Year 6.  GP surgeries are also inviting children aged two or three (as of 31 August 2022) to receive the nasal spray vaccination.

Craig Lister, COVID and flu immunisation and vaccination strategy lead at Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board, said:

“Getting vaccinated against flu and COVID-19 is one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself and prevent the spread of these viruses to others. Getting your jabs can prevent you from being seriously ill and needing hospital care this winter when viruses circulate more easily.

“The flu jab and the COVID-19 booster can even be given at the same time if this service is available to you at your GP practice or community pharmacy.  Coming forward for vaccination is particularly important for those at higher risk, to help avoid serious health complications.  Both vaccines are safe and effective, and they are our best defence against these serious illnesses.

“As we prepare to close the doors on these two vaccination centres, I’d like to pass on my heartfelt thanks to the staff and all the volunteers who worked there tirelessly to make sure the vaccination programme ran smoothly. They did a tremendous job and have saved people from very serious illness and lasting health problems.

“If you are eligible and have never had a COVID-19 or flu vaccination before, it’s not too late to start now.  You will always be welcome.  Make an appointment online, speak to a pharmacist, visit one of our local walk-in clinics or ring 119 for more information.”

For the latest COVID-19 and flu vaccination information in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes, and to check whether you are eligible: https://blmkhealthandcarepartnership.org/covid-19.