Pop-up clinics to tackle low take-up of coronavirus vaccines

Coronavirus vaccine take-up rates among 18 to 39-year-olds in Bournemouth are lower than other areas.

Health bosses are tackling the problem by launching pop-up clinics in Winton this week where no appointment is needed to get a jab.

The clinics at St Luke's Church will run on:

• Monday, 28 June: 8am – 11.30am

• Wednesday, 30 June: 3pm – 7pm

• Saturday, 3 July: 11am – 3pm

Due to the way the vaccine is stored there will be a limited supply available at each session and jabs will be given on a first come, first served basis.

Those attending will need to show proof of their age before they can be vaccinated.

If you are not eligible for these sessions staff can help you book your jab at another location using the national booking system.

Anna Chainey, Dorset HealthCare’s COVID-19 service manager, said: "We’re really pleased to be offering a hyper-local pop-up service that will hopefully be really convenient for people in this age group living in low take-up areas.

"Our staff are very well-practiced in giving vaccines after six months of operating our large vaccination centre so you’ll be in good hands, with volunteers to support and reassure you throughout the process.

"With cases of Covid-19 on the rise in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area, it’s all the more important that people have their jab to help prevent serious illness and reduce the risk of spreading the virus."

The number of doses given in Dorset is edging towards 1 million and over 80 per cent of local people have now had their first jab.