Diss vaccination centre announced
After months of waiting, residents in Diss have finally been given a date for when a vaccination centre will open in the town.
From early next month (May), Diss Youth and Community Centre (DYCC) will be used as a vaccination site, delivering up to 1000 vaccinations a week.
Whilst no exact date has been given, it is understood that the opening will be pushed forward if more vaccine supplies become available.
The additional site, in Shelfanger Road, will significantly boost capacity of the vaccination programme in the area and reduce travel times for many residents, who have had to travel to Harleston, Attleborough and Poringland since the vaccine rollout began late last year.
Local leaders welcomed the news, which will bring a sigh of relief to elderly and vulnerable residents – many of whom have had to rely on public transport to get their jab.
The vaccination centre is the result of a combined effort by Diss Town Council – who own the DYCC, NHS Norfolk and Waveney Clinical Commissioning Group, and Hado Pharmacy – based in Mount Street.
In response to the announcement, Diss Town Council Leader Simon Olander said: “A heartfelt thanks to all who have worked tirelessly to get this into being.
"You can stand proud that you have all done everybody a big service in this fight against an unrelenting virus."
Keith Kiddie, County and District Councillor for Diss, also extended his thanks to the town council.
“Well done to the Diss Town Council team," he said. "I have strongly supported this initiative and I am delighted that we will have something local in Diss."
Chidi Egeolu, Hado's Superintendent Pharmacist, added: “I'd like to thank the Town Council for its support and direction and for everything it has done to ensure that the DYCC is approved as a COVID-19 vaccination centre.
"I'm proud to be associated with the team of staff and councillors who have made this happen."