The final specialist Covid-19 vaccination clinic of 2022 for people with a learning disability is to take place on Wednesday the 14th of December at the Covid-19 vaccination centre at Loughborough Hospital, Hospital Way, Loughborough, LE11 5JY. 

Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust (LPT) provides community health, mental health and learning disabilities services for the one million people living in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

This upcoming clinic has appointments available for people with a learning disability of all ages, who want to get the protection of the Covid-19 vaccine this winter. Those who need a first, second or booster Covid-19 vaccination are able to book at the following times: 

• 8.15am – 2pm – the clinic is open to all ages from five-years-old through to adults
• 3pm-7pm – the clinic is open to children and young people with a learning disability, aged five-17 only. 

The clinic offers attendees a friendly and calm atmosphere, longer appointment times and vaccinators specialising in learning disability support and care – to help to provide the best environment to enable people to have the vaccine.

Over the course of the year, the clinics, which have been nominated for numerous awards, have given more than 650 vaccinations to people who would otherwise not have been able to have the vaccine at an alternative venue. 

One of the people who attended was Lindsey Heald's son Ryan. Lindsey said: "When you've got a child with complex health needs you do worry more about Covid-19. I knew it was really important for Ryan to have the vaccine but I was initially worried about how he'd get on having it.

"However, I spoke to the clinic about them making some reasonable adjustments; we asked for a little bit of extra time and a side room, and for it to be quite quiet as Ryan can get quite anxious if there's lots of people talking. The staff were amazing and I'm so grateful for all they did to help Ryan. I even managed to get my booster at on the day too!"

Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust's Sam Screaton, who helped to launch the learning disability vaccination clinics, said: "During the winter, we know that viruses tend to spread more rapidly than at other times of the year. Over the holidays we may see more people than usual, spend more time indoors and hug our friends and family, so the chances of catching Covid-19 can increase.

"People with a learning disability are more likely to become very poorly if they catch coronavirus. Getting the protection from the vaccine is the best way to stay healthy.

"Our vaccination clinics are designed for people with a learning disability. Our vaccinators are very kind and friendly. They will do everything they can to make people feel as safe and relaxed as possible."

Appointments need to be booked in advance to ensure the session can be managed to best suit patients' needs. Some walk-in appointments may be available on the day, subject to demand.

To book use the following links: 

• To book for someone who is 18 upwards click here.
• To book for someone who is 12-17 click here.
• To book for someone who is five-11 click here.

You call also call 07917 734725 to book. Please note that calls will be answered Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm only. Outside of these hours there is a voicemail service to leave a message. Those booking are asked to specify in the additional comments box or over the phone if you need for us to make any specialist adaptations, such as needing a private or quiet space.