A number of places in south Essex are offering Covid vaccinations this week to people who haven’t booked an appointment.

It comes as health bosses look to increase the number of people to have their jabs ahead of the relaxation of all Covid rules on July 19 – which is now being dubbed ‘Freedom Day’.

There are several venues in Southend and Canvey which are offering walk-in vaccination appointments over the coming days.

Some are offering first and second jabs, while others are for people needing a second dose of the AstraZeneca jab.

Anyone looking to get a second dose must ensure it has been at least eight weeks since having their first jab.

The sites offering walk-ins this week are:

Southend

Saxon Hall

When: Wednesday between 2pm and 8pm

What: First and second doses of AstraZeneca

Belle Vue Church

When: Thursday between 8am and 2pm

What: First and second doses of AstraZeneca

Canvey

Paddocks Community Hall

When: Wednesday and Thursday between 2pm and 8pm

What: First doses of Pfizer

Weekly walk in sessions are being held in Southend to boost vaccine uptake, particularly in areas such as Kursaal, Victoria and Westborough.

A one-off walk in event held in Leigh at the weekend was hailed a success, with 250 people jabbed in less than four hours.

Further walk-in events are expected to be announced by health chiefs in the coming weeks.