A FAKE nurse has been spotted going door-to-door offering elderly residents the Covid-19 vaccine in their own home - sparking a serious warning from a surgery.

Bosses at the Audley Mills Surgery, on Eastwood Road, Rayleigh have reminded patients they will be contacted by a phone call or letter, and the “suspicious nurse” is a scammer.

Steve Doherty, practice manager, fears the hoaxer may be aware the practice is currently unable to give out dates for the second jab and taking advantage of residents.

The team say all vaccinations will be booked through the surgery and patients will be contacted with an invite to visit the site.

Surgery bosses took to social media to warn residents after the incident on Tuesday.

Mr Doherty said: “We never just turn up under any circumstances, which is why I think the patient was quite alarmed when someone just arrived and so they phoned the police.

“At the moment a lot of people are having their first vaccine, so people will be expecting to hear about their second one at some point.

“However, we can’t give out the dates just yet until the Government decides we can. I think someone picked up on that.

“The patient had already had their first jab, and they were offering the second dose.

“I believe it happened on Tuesday and we got the message yesterday, so we just wanted to make patients aware.”

Bosses have now warned that should a patient be suspicious, they should contact Essex Police.

Mr Doherty continued: “For what purpose this happened we don’t know, but it doesn’t happen very often.

“It’s really important people understand this isn’t usual procedure.

“It’s the same way you would be visited any time by a doctor or nurse if you requested a home visit. We always phone ahead to let them know someone is coming.

“If you’re suspicious in anyway, contact the police.”

Trevor Harp, councillor for health and adult social care in Southend, added: “Unfortunately we’re seeing a lot more scams and phishing surrounding the vaccine programme.

“If people are knocking on others doors they are up to no good. I unequivocally condemn anyone praying on our vulnerable or elderly residents.

“I’d reiterate to all residents that your invite will come to you by a phone call or letter.”

A SURGERY has issued a stark warning after reports of a “suspicious nurse” knocking at a patient’s home to offer the Covid vaccine.

Bosses at the Audley Mills Surgery, based on Eastwood Road, Rayleigh, have assured staff will not turn up unannounced at someone’s home to offer a vaccination - and are keen to make their patients aware of the suspected scammer.

Steve Doherty, practice business manager, believes the hoaxer could’ve picked up that the practice are currently unable to give out dates for the second jab and used that to their advantage.

The team say all vaccinations will be booked through the surgery and patients will be contacted with an invite to visit the site - unless you are housebound.

And even if in this instance, they will always phone before attending someone’s home.

Mr Doherty, said: “We never just turn up under any circumstances, which is why I think the patient was quite alarmed when someone just arrived and so they phoned the police.

“At the moment a lot of people are having their first vaccine, so people will be expecting to hear about their second one at some point.

“However, we can’t give out the dates just yet until the Government decides we can. I think someone picked up on that.

“The patient had already had their first jab, and they were offering the second dose.

“I believe it happened on Tuesday and we got the message yesterday, so we just wanted to make patients aware.”

Bosses have now warned that should a patient be suspicious, they should contact Essex Police.

Mr Doherty continued: “For what purpose this happened we don’t know, but it doesn’t happen very often. It’s really important people understand this isn’t usual procedure.

“It’s the same way you would be visited any time by a doctor or nurse if you requested a home visit. We always phone ahead to let them know someone is coming.

“If you’re suspicious in anyway, contact the police.”

Trevor Harp, councillor for health and adult social care in Southend, added: “Unfortunately we’re seeing a lot more scams and phishing surrounding the vaccine programme. If people are knocking on others doors they are up to no good. I unequivocally condemn anyone praying on our vulnerable or elderly residents.

“I’d reiterate to all residents that your invite will come to you by a phone call or letter.”