Visitors attending last weekend’s Lakefest were offered the opportunity to receive their 1st or 2nd COVID jabs, delivered by a professional vaccination team from Taurus Healthcare and Wargrave, Belmont and Cantilupe (WBC) Primary Care Network.

Pfizer vaccinations were provided at a special pop-up facility at the Festival’s Eastnor Castle Site throughout the Saturday and Sunday of the Festival. Over the two days, more than 100 jabs were administered to attendees aged 16 and above.

Festival organisers had approached local healthcare providers to ask if vaccinations could be offered at the event. System leaders discussed how best this could be achieved and Taurus Healthcare was then asked to support delivery on site.

Dr Mike Hearne, GP and Managing Director for Taurus Healthcare, and Dr John Stevenson, Joint Clinical Director for WBC Primary Care Network, were the GP Clinical leads at the Festival, themselves administering vaccinations to many Festival attendees.

Dr Stevenson commented:  

“In order to beat COVID, it’s really important that as many as possible of us receive the vaccinations. We know that it’s sometimes difficult for people to find time to come to one of our regular clinics – especially if they have work commitments. So, we were happy to support this initiative which brought a clinic to Lakefest. 

“The uptake of vaccinations over the weekend showed there is demand within younger age groups. We chatted to many people who told us they were trying to stay as safe as possible while at the Festival. People were tested before arrival, but vaccines remain central to COVID protection.

”I would like to thank everyone who was involved in delivering the vaccinations over the weekend, particularly the team responsible for ensuring safe and hygienic processes were in place, and all the vaccinators.”

Dr Hearne added:

“We were delighted by the very positive response we’re received over the weekend and are considering attending other future events where we can provide this kind of service.”

Photo courtesy of Jules Annan. Pictured is Festival goer Paul Ovenden being vaccinated by nurse Lynette Richards.