The NHS across Kent and Medway is encouraging eligible people to book their Covid-19 jab.
Letters and texts are going out to those aged 50 to 54 inviting them to pick a convenient slot at one of the vaccination centres, hospital hubs, GP-led vaccination sites and pharmacies across the county.
The booking system is also open to those who are clinically extremely vulnerable, clinically vulnerable, eligible frontline health and social care workers, carers and those with learning disabilities.
The five large scale vaccination centres have available appointments and are spread across the area at the following locations:
- Folca building, Folkestone
- The Woodville, Gravesend
- Pentagon Centre, Chatham
- Angel Centre, Tonbridge
- Saga building, Thanet
People who cannot book online at www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination can book a slot through 119.
Paula Wilkins, Chief Nurse at NHS Kent and Medway Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “The people being invited for their vaccines now are the most vulnerable to coronavirus so it’s really important they come forward for a jab. We have plenty of slots available this week.
“The vaccines are safe and effective, so if anybody who is eligible hasn’t been vaccinated yet, I’d urge them to go online or call 119 and get themselves booked in - this is our opportunity to protect ourselves and our communities against this devastating virus.”
More than 737,000 people have been vaccinated at one of the 60 sites across Kent and Medway.
Appointments are staggered to allow for social distancing and people are being asked not to turn up early to avoid creating queues.
Everyone will receive a health status check and a pre-vaccination assessment before they have their jab.
Vaccinations are being offered to people in line with independent advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.
For more information on the roll out of the Covid-19 vaccination in Kent and Medway, visit www.kentandmedwayccg.nhs.uk/covid19vaccine.