Larne Market Yard ‘solution’ for 10,000 flu jabs programme

The partnership with Mid and East Antrim Borough Council will enable 10,000 patients to be vaccinated.

The practices involved are: Corran Surgery, Victoria Surgery, Inver Surgery, Larne Family Practice, and Drs Black and Lalsingh.

Shauna McKinley, practice manager at Corran Surgery, said: “With around 10,000 patients eligible to receive a flu vaccination, the need to adhere to social distancing regulations, makes this impossible to deliver within GP surgeries.”

Dr Ian Lalsingh said: “The safety of our patients is, and must always be our first priority, so I am pleased that by working together, we have come up with an excellent solution.”

Eligible patients have been identified in line with Department of Health guidance and will receive an invitation letter to arrange an appointment.

Patients are advised to wait for a letter to arrive before contacting their practice for an appointment.

The Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough, Councillor Peter Johnston, commented: “Community planning focuses on the integrated use of resources to support the well-being of local residents through partnership working and is central to delivering change locally.”

Chief Medical Officer, Dr Michael McBride said recently: “Flu can present with similar symptoms to Covid-19 and therefore has the potential to complicate the contact tracing and surveillance programme.

“There is also emerging evidence that co-infection with Covid-19 and flu may lead to a more severe illness.

“Reducing the pressure caused by seasonal flu will help preserve the capacity of the health and social care system to manage any future waves of Covid-19.”

Patients are advised that a socially-distanced queuing system and strict infection control measures will be in operation during the vaccinations to reduce the risk of Covid-19 in order to keep everyone safe.

However, patients should not attend if they or a household family member are unwell with any of the signs or symptoms of Covid-19 or have been told to isolate.

Larne Market Yard was fully-renovated in 2015. It reopened in May as restrictions eased after lockdown. Read more here

Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter.

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