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COVID vaccinations now available with no appointment needed for eligible people in Hertfordshire and west Essex

In order to make it even easier for eligible people to get protected against COVID-19, a number of walk-in vaccination sessions have opened up for people across Hertfordshire and west Essex. This means you don’t need to make an appointment.

Local health boss Dr Jane Halpin is encouraging everyone from Hertfordshire and west Essex to protect themselves, their families and their communities against COVID-19:

“Some people have told us they like to be able just to turn up at a vaccination centre, particularly those with unpredictable work schedules or family commitments. That’s why we’re offering more of these clinics in the days ahead.

“If you prefer the certainty of a guaranteed booked appointment at a particular time you can call 119, use the National Booking Service website, or respond to an invitation to be vaccinated by your GP, if they are continuing to offer this service. With a range of permanent and temporary ‘pop up’ clinics in local communities, booked appointments and ‘walk-in’ sessions, we’re doing all we can to make it as easy as possible for everyone to get the protection that they need.”

Which is the right vaccine for me?

If you have not yet had a COVID-19 vaccination:

People aged 40+ or those in a priority group* who are aged over 40 can get their first vaccination at an AstraZeneca vaccination clinic. Please note that people who are pregnant are advised to have the Pfizer or Moderna vaccination instead.

People aged between 34 and 39 are now eligible to have their first Pfizer or Moderna vaccination. The majority of Pfizer clinics have to be booked in advance, but there are some ‘pop up’ Pfizer clinics in Hertfordshire available without appointment this weekend. Robertson House in Stevenage is currently offering some walk-in Moderna clinics. When you book online, you will only be offered clinics that are offering a vaccine suitable for your age group.

If you had your first AstraZeneca vaccination at least 8 weeks ago:

And you are aged 50 or more, or in a priority group*, you are now being encouraged to get your second jab as soon as eight weeks have passed. You can come along to an AstraZeneca walk-in clinic, book an appointment via the National Booking Service or by calling 119, or wait for you GP to contact you.

Where can I find details of the walk-in vaccination sessions?
The full list of local clinics offering vaccinations without appointments in the days to come can be found at this address: covid.healthierfuture.org.uk

Check back with this website for details of further walk-in clinics in future – and remember that the National Booking Service has a wide range of appointments that can be booked in advance. Some GP practices are also contacting their own patients directly to offer them appointments, as they become eligible.

Please remember to wear a mask or face covering when you attend a vaccination clinic and bring your NHS number or another identification document with you if you can. If you don’t know your NHS number, look it up at: www.nhs.uk/find-NHS-number

*Priority groups are as follows:

• All those aged 50 or over
• Frontline health and social care workers
• People aged 16 or over who are known to be clinically extremely vulnerable or with underlying health conditions which put them at higher risk of serious disease and mortality
• People who care for someone who is at high risk from COVID-19
• People who live with someone who is immuno-suppressed