A NEW pop-up coronavirus vaccination centre has opened at Blackburn Bus Station today as the NHS’s Spring Booster campaign gets under way.

Those who are eligible for the latest jab – including over 75s and people who are immuno-compromised, such as cancer patients and organ transplant recipients – can book an appointment between 9am and 4pm each day (except Sundays) until Saturday 29 April.

The site will also vaccinate any adults still requiring their first and second doses of the Covid-19 vaccine who can just walk in.

Jane Scattergood, responsible for the Lancashire and South Cumbria Covid-19 vaccination programme, said: "The best way to protect yourself is to get the vaccine as soon as you are eligible. Covid-19 is still having a big impact and older people are still most at risk of developing severe illness and being hospitalised.

"We want to ensure that everyone gets the protection they need as quickly and conveniently as possible. The Blackburn Bus Station pop-up centre is really handy for those visiting the town centre, and there is no need to book ahead – just walk in.

"Blackburn Bus Station hosted a pop-up vaccination centre last autumn and its town centre location proved ideal for those who travel into town on buses."

Abdul Razaq, Blackburn with Darwen's Public Health director, said: "I’m really pleased that we’re able to offer this pop-up vaccination centre in Blackburn once again. The bus station is very accessible and has previously proven to be a popular choice as a Covid-19 vaccination site.

"Recently there seems to have been more cases of Covid-19 in our local communities, which serves as a reminder that the virus has not gone away and we must bolster our defences to live with it."