Exmouth pharmacy among first in Devon offering Covid vaccination

An Exmouth pharmacy is among the first in Devon to be providing Covid vaccinations.

Lewis Pharmacy in Exeter Road began offering the jabs at the end of last week, bringing the vaccinations to the local high street.

Two other shops, in Plymouth and Westward Ho! are also on board.

The Exmouth pharmacy is owned by Martyn Lewis and his wife Jackie.

He said: "We are a community pharmacy first and foremost, and wanted to help deliver the vaccine in our local area.

"It was a hugely proud moment when we delivered our first vaccines.

"The patients who received them were very happy and grateful to have been vaccinated.

"Our staff have pulled out all the stops to be ready – supported by a fantastic network of nurses, GPs, volunteers, and many others.

"Everyone is working so hard to vaccinate people as quickly and safely as possible, and we're delighted to be part of it."

Who can get their Covid jab at the pharmacy?

Vaccinations at the pharmacy are currently available only to people who have received a letter from NHS England, through the new national appointment booking service. The letters each contain a unique code that is used to make the appointment.

These people are being invited to attend either one of the mass vaccination centres in Exeter and Plymouth, or a pharmacy service, and can choose whichever suits them best.

If they don't want to take up the offer, they can wait to be contacted by their GP practice.

Appointments at the sites are staggered to allow social distancing, and people are urged not to turn up early, to avoid queues.

It's possible someone might receive more than one invitation to be vaccinated if correspondence crosses in the post. In this case, recipients can book at their preferred venue and disregard other correspondence – but they must not attend both.

NHS England is organising the roll-out of community pharmacy sites, and is due to announce more in coming weeks.

Meanwhile, Exmouth Tennis and Fitness Centre is the site for one of Devon's main GP-led Covid vaccination programmes, and is administering the jabs to patients from 10 GP practices in Exmouth and East Devon.