Raves, not graves: that’s the message from Manchester’s health bosses as they lead a three-day call for any 18-year-old and above, who is eligible for a Pfizer jab, to come forward before festival season starts and more people visit clubs and events – AND they can bring friends, family and visitors who are also eligible for it.

The bold move will not only help Manchester residents, but visitors too – so that the city uses its vaccine supply in the best way possible between now and Thursday evening.

David Regan, Director of Public Health for Manchester, said: “We need to a take a practical and pragmatic approach wherever we can. We have supplies that we need to use – and at the same time we want young people to be able to enjoy all the things that they have missed out on during the last year and a half. This approach combines both those aims, while keeping people as safe as possible.”

This three-day window is a chance for people to come forward without needing a pre-booked appointment for either their first or second vaccine. These are the venue details:

Wednesday 4 August

The Grange, M11 3TQ, 13.30 – 18.00, Pfizer 1st and 2nd doses
Plant Hill, M9 8LX 18.00 – 21.00, Pfizer and Astra Zeneca 1st and 2nd doses
Irish Heritage Centre, M8 OAE, 08.00 – 12.00, Astra Zeneca and Pfizer 1st and 2nd doses
Newton Heath Health Centre, M40 2JF, 14.00 – 17.30, Pfizer 1st and 2nd doses
Golf Pavilion Car Park, Heaton Park, M25 2SW, 09.00 – 13.00, Pfizer 1st and 2nd doses

Thursday 5 August

The Jain Centre, M12 4QE 09.00 – 14.00, Pfizer and AZ 1st and 2nd doses
Irish Heritage Centre, M8 OAE, 10.00 – 14.00, and 16.00 – 21.00, Astra Zeneca and Pfizer 1st and 2nd doses
Woodhouse Park, M22 1QW 13.30 – 17.30, Pfizer 1st and 2nd dose

Friday 6 August

Newton Heath Health Centre, M40 2JF, 09.00 – 12.30, and 14.00 – 17.30, Pfizer and AstraZeneca 1st and 2nd doses
Irish Heritage Centre, M8 OAE, 16.00 – 21.00, Astra Zeneca and Pfizer 1st and 2nd doses

Dr Manisha Kumar, who is leading Manchester’s vaccination programme, and is also Medical Director for Manchester Health and Care Commissioning, said: “Having the vaccine is a vital step in getting life back to where it used to be. We know young people have had to face enormous hardship during the pandemic – and we want to work with them to bring opportunities, fun – and normality -back to their lives.

“This, combined with all the other safety measures, is the best way to protect people from serious illness from the virus – and the risk of spreading it to others.”