A Covid vaccination centre in south Essex has re-opened amid a rise in Covid cases and the emergence of a new variant.

The vaccines are once again available to the public at The Lodge, a well-established vaccination centre in Runwell, near Wickford.

Eligible members of the public are being urged to come forward and have their Covid jab now ahead of the winter months.

This includes people aged 65 and over, people with certain health conditions or who are pregnant, health and social care workers, carers and close contacts of vulnerable people.

Vaccines are available both by appointment and on a walk-in basis at centre in Lodge Approach, which is open on Thursdays and Saturdays between 8.30am and 4pm.

Eligible members of the public can book an appointment via the NHS website. 

The Lodge was one of the first vaccination centres in Essex, opening on January 19 2021 and the team at Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, which manages the centre, has delivered more than 1.6 million Covid-19 vaccinations since.

A spokesman for vaccination and immunisation services at EPUT, said: “A rise in cases and the emergence of the new BA.2.86 variant have shown us that COVID-19 is very much still with us. With this along with flu, we could be looking at a difficult winter so I urge you to do all you can to protect yourself and have a safe, healthy winter.

“Vaccines are safe, effective, and it only takes a few minutes to drop by The Lodge and get yours. If you’ve aren’t sure about getting your vaccine for any reason at all, I encourage you to come to The Lodge and speak to the team. They will be happy to talk through any questions or concerns you have.”

Full details of who is eligible for COVID-19 and flu vaccines this autumn can be found at nhs.uk/seasonalvaccinations