You can get a Covid-19 jab at Blackpool's Winter Gardens from Monday - here's what you need to know

The Grade II*-listed Winter Gardens will open its doors on Monday to become the newest mass vaccination centre as the Fylde coast ramps up the fight against coronavirus.

Moor Park Leisure Centre will also be used as a community pharmacy vaccination site, Blackpool Council said. Bradley's Bar, at Mill Farm, will also house a pharmacy-led vaccination hub.

It follows The Gazette's 'Shot in the Arm' campaign, alongside our sister titles up and down the country, calling for all pharmacies to be given the chance to offer the vaccination. You can still sign the petition here.Where can I get the vaccine in Blackpool?

The NHS list of vaccine sites includes:

- Blackpool Victoria Hospital

- Whitegate Health Centre

- Gorton Street Practice

- South Shore Primary Care Centre

- Moor Park Leisure Centre

- Winter Gardens

Sites in Fylde and Wyre include:

- Lytham PCC

- Garstang Medical Practice

- Lockwood GP Surgery

- Over Wyre Medical Centre

- Little Thornton Theatre

- Bradley's Bar, AFC Fylde

Who can get the vaccine?

Thousands of people aged 70 and over, and those who are clinically extremely vulnerable, are due to be invited to book an appointment in the coming days.

All those eligible will receive a letter from the NHS Covid-19 Vaccination Booking Service, telling them how they can book their appointment.

While some people have reported being directed to centres several miles away when trying to book online, those who want to stay closer to home have been advised to keep checking the website until a slot becomes available.

What will happen when I get there?

People are being asked not to arrive early for appointments to prevent queues building up.

Marshalls will greet people at the door and register them. People will get a pre-vaccination assessment before getting the jab from trained staff.

Do I still need to shield or social distance after I've had the injection?

Yes.

Dr Arif Rajpura, director of public health at Blackpool Council, said: “It is also important to remember that even when vaccinated it can take three weeks for that vaccination to become effective, and even then we need to remain cautious for a little longer and still need to continue to follow all the guidance on social distancing, wearing a face covering, washing hands and isolating.”

Where can I find out more?

For more information about the vaccination programme in Lancashire, including how to get involved, click here.