Let Sunderland pharmacies deliver COVID vaccines

We're backing the Sunderland Echo's 'Shot in the Arm' campaign to make sure that all local pharmacies across Sunderland, Washington, Houghton and Hetton can take part in the COVID vaccine roll out.

Wearside Liberal Democrats leader Niall Hodson said:

"Having one of the new national vaccine hubs at the Centre for Life in Newcastle is fantastic for the North East, but we need to make getting the jab as easy as possible for as many people in Sunderland, Washington, Houghton and Hetton which is why the Shot in the Arm campaign is so important.

"Using all pharmacies for the roll-out of the vaccines would mean that people across Wearside can nip to a local venue to get their jab instead of having to travel further afield which can be difficult, costly and inconvenient for many - particularly elderly or vulnerable residents.

"With cases and deaths sadly still on the rise this is the most worrying time of the pandemic. The Government mustn't waste a moment in the race against the virus and should make use of local pharmacies to help get jabs in as many people's arms as quickly as possible to help bring this virus under control."

The Echo's petition is available here: https://www.change.org/p/uk-government-all-pharmacies-should-to-be-able-to-play-a-part-in-the-uk-s-covid-19-vaccine-programme?use_react=false