Several vaccination centres across Swindon, Wiltshire and Bath & North East Somerset will be closing soon, the CCG has announced. 

But it confirmed STEAM in Swindon will remain open for people needing to get protection against the virus.

Around 15 venues from across the region – which have yet to be named by the CCG – will withdraw from the vaccine programme in December so staff are freed to support frontline primary care colleagues ahead of an expected busy period. 

Although some 1,500 additional staff, including volunteers and military personnel were brought in to support the vaccination programme, many of the teams working in the vaccine centres have been doing so on top of their existing primary care work.

Director of nursing and quality Gill May said: “It is no exaggeration to say that our community-based, GP-led vaccination sites have been absolutely instrumental in helping us to provide more than 1.6 million Covid-19 vaccines in the space of just 12 months. 

“Healthcare teams at each of the venues have gone above and beyond each and every day in order to keep people protected against coronavirus, and we thank them for the collective professionalism demonstrated on a daily basis.

“With vaccine appointments still available from a wide range of community locations, now is the right time for staff to turn their focus to providing care in GP practices, and supporting their frontline colleagues who have continued to work tirelessly throughout the duration of the pandemic.” 

STEAM, along with Bath Racecourse and Salisbury City Hall, will be staying open for vaccinations. 

Appointments for first and second doses of the Covid-19 vaccine, as well as booster jabs, will continue to be available from community pharmacies, large vaccination centres and some GP-led venues. 

All remaining vaccination sites across Bath & North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire, including community pharmacies, are listed on National Booking Service, which is available online at www.nhs.uk or over the phone by calling 119. 

Any person eligible for a first, second or booster dose is encouraged to book their vaccine appointment without delay.

More information on the local rollout of the Covid-19 vaccine, including a detailed list of frequently asked questions, is available online at www.bswccg.nhs.uk