Let's get things back to normal

The road to less Covid-19 restrictions is through vaccination and testing. If you or an adult member of your family or friends haven't had a vaccine yet please take up the offer. Everyone aged 18 and over is now invited to get vaccinated.

Across Kent and Medway, around 44% of people aged 18-29 have had a first dose; and 68% of people aged 30-39. More of us in these age groups need to come forward if we want to release the restrictions and get life back to normal.

Second doses for over 40s - bring them forward

People aged over 40 are now being asked to get their second dose 8 weeks after the first jab - rather than the original 12 week gap.

If you have a second dose appointment booked through the national booking service for 12 weeks you can now find an earlier appointment to reschedule to before cancelling your original appointment. Visit the bookings website and use the manage my appointments link, or call 119.

Testing

We should all be doing regular free testing to help prevent the spread of the virus by people infected but not experiencing any symptoms. Where symptoms are spotted people still need to self-isolate. Support is still available for self-isolating.

Walk-in vaccination clinics

We have run a number of walk-in clinics in recent weeks. These will continue over the next three weeks as we work hard to get as many people vaccinated with at least one dose by the 19 July.

All walk-in options will be listed on this webpage and promoted through social media and other local channels. Walk-in options are running on specific days and times. Please check details before heading to any vaccine clinic.

More clinics on the national booking service

We now have over 20 vaccination clinics across Kent and Medway listed on the national booking service including pharmacy and GP run services. Any clinic listed can be used by anyone – you don’t need to be registered with GP services that are listed. Call 119 or book online.

Full list of all Kent and Medway services on the national booking service.

Local vaccination helpline 0330 320 4444

We have a dedicated vaccination helpline to provide information and advice about the Covid-19 vaccines. The team can answer a range of questions about the vaccines but cannot book or manage appointments made with the national booking service or individual local vaccine services.

Lines are open between 8.30am and 5pm Monday to Friday. Interpreting services are available.

Two large centres returning to normal business

As we near the completion of the vaccine programme and public venues are returning to normal, two of our large vaccination sites (the Angel leisure centre and Woodville Halls theatre) are being handed back so the buildings can open to the public again.

A huge thank you to our council partners for letting the vaccination teams use these buildings. 

• The Angel centre will be running until the first week of August - providing second doses for people who had their first jab there.
• Woodville Halls will be running until the end of August, with performances starting again in September.

Pharmacy and GP run vaccination clinics through the national booking service and walk-in clinics are available as alternatives to these venues.