Cheshire firefighters help elderly to get Covid-19 vaccines

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service is offering its support to reach those living in hard to reach places to ensure that they are able to make appointments and receive their jabs.

For several weeks, the service has been visiting the addresses of those who have not responded to the offer of a vaccination as part of the ‘Safe and Well’ programme.

As well as promoting the vaccine and collecting data on behalf of the health service, firefighters are imparting fire safety information and offering general home safety and health advice.

Deputy chief fire officer Alex Waller said: “Like previous initiatives before it, this is another example of how we as a service are helping our communities through these difficult times.

“Delivering the vaccine is a real game changer, and it is important that we do everything we can to get as many people vaccinated as possible so that we can start to win the war on this virus.

“That is why I am so pleased we are offering this service for those who might be hard to reach or unable to take up the offer of a vaccination but want to.

A coronavirus vaccination centre in Bewsey

“Everyone involved in this initiative should be rightly proud of their efforts.”

Clare Watson, accountable officer of Cheshire CCG said: “NHS staff, volunteers and local authority partners have been working extremely hard to make sure that everyone who is eligible has been invited for a vaccination.

“But we know that there are people who for individual reasons have not arranged to have their vaccine.

"I wish to express my thanks to Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service for helping us to make sure that everyone is supported to get us back to some sense of ‘normal’ life.”

Meanwhile, staff and volunteers across the service have also been giving their own time to help out with other Covid-related duties, including working as marshals at vaccination sites.

Alex added: “I want to say thank you to everyone who has supported the collective Covid effort, whether they are fire service staff or any other volunteers who are doing their bit, as our communities are lucky to have you.”