Fire stations to host Covid-19 vaccination clinics for people with learning disabilities and autism

Covid-19 vaccination clinics specifically designed for people with learning disabilities and autism are taking place at fire stations across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent in January.

The special clinics – which are taking place in fully accessible buildings – will offer longer appointments, separate, quiet waiting rooms, and the option to be vaccinated in the car.

Vaccinators experienced in vaccinating people with additional needs will be on hand to make people as comfortable as possible and take as long as needed to support vaccination.

The clinics will be ‘walk-in’ so that you do not need to make an appointment.

The clinics are open to eligible people with a learning disability and/or autism aged 12 and over.

Lorna Clarson, Deputy Chief Medical Officer for the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board, said: “We want to make it as easy as possible for everyone to have a Covid vaccination. The clinics we’ve arranged for people with learning disabilities and autism have longer appointment times, separate waiting rooms and also the offer of vaccinating in vehicles if people feel more comfortable staying in the car.

“Unfortunately, people with learning disabilities and autism have lower vaccination uptake despite being more susceptible to severe symptoms and complications from covid infection, so we are taking action to change that in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent by offering extra support.”

Clinics are taking place on:

• Monday 15 January 2024, 9:30am-4pm Sandyford Fire Station, Marlborough Way, Off Reginald Mitchell Way, Sandyford, ST6 5ED

• Tuesday 16January 2024, 9:30am-4pm Sacred Heart Community Centre,Silver Link Road, Tamworth, B77 2EA

• Wednesday 17 January 2024, 9:30am-4pm Penkridge Fire Station, Boscomoor Lane, Penkridge, ST19 5NU

• Wednesday 24 January 2024, 9:30am-4pm Leek Fire Station, Springfield Rd, Leek, ST13 6LQ

• Friday 26 January 2024, 9:30am-4pm Burton Fire Station, Moor Street, Burton upon Trent, DE14 3SU

• Wednesday 31January 2024, 9.30am-4pm Longton Fire station, Uttoxeter Rd, Longton, ST3 1NS

For people who struggle with getting to appointments, there are free volunteer-led transport services available.

Details of voluntary transport services in Staffordshire can be found at the links below:

Dial-a-ride and community voluntary transport – Staffordshire County Council

Community and voluntary schemes – Staffordshire County Council

Details of transport schemes in Stoke-on-Trent can be found at the below link:

Door2Door Transport Service – VAST