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Basildon and Southend hospitals are set to start rolling out the Pfizer coronavirus jab next week.

South Essex patients are set to get the vaccine in just days, after British medical regulator, the MHRA, says the jab, which offers up to 95% protection against Covid-19 illness, is safe for roll out as soon as next week.

READ MORE >> Pfizer coronavirus jab to be rolled out in Basildon and Southend hospitals

SPORTS halls and parks across south Essex will be used to deliver the mass Covid-19 vaccination programme... but only after NHS staff are given their jab at “hospital hubs”.

As the UK prepares to roll out the Pfizer vaccine after emergency approval from the medicine regulator, the Echo can reveal sports halls and “large open spaces” are being lined up for pop-up vaccination centres.

READ MORE >>> Sports halls, parks and hospital hubs to be used for vaccinations

Patients who require emergency treatment at A&E at south Essex hospitals will have to book appointments via NHS 111 from this month.

The unprecedented move, set to continue beyond the current pandemic, was announced by Healthwatch Southend via their Facebook page.

READ MORE >>> Need to go to A&E? Dial 111 for an appointment