RESIDENTS set to receive their Covid jab were turned away from a vaccination centre after appointments for second doses were moved forward.

A host of patients were turned away from the George Hurd Centre, on Audley Way, Basildon, on Wednesday despite having pre-booked appointments.

One resident claims he was told by a member of staff that “all vaccination appointments had been cancelled for the day”.

Clinical commissioning group bosses, who are running the vaccine roll-out regionally, insist there is no shortage but second jabs had been “brought forward in line with government guidance”.

However, those anxiously waiting to be fully vaccinated claim they were offered no explanation.

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A 62-year-old resident, who asked not to be named, said he is now having issues rebooking his appointment.

He said: “Someone at the door said that all appointments were cancelled.

“I’ve left three messages and sent an email to the right people and still had no response as to why it was cancelled.

“There’s nowhere to go at the moment in Basildon. The closest place is Rayleigh but I have mobility issues so going to Rayleigh isn’t an option.

“I’ve left three messages and sent emails but I’m still waiting to hear back.”

Commissioning group bosses insisted all patients were offered alternative appointments, and if not they should make contact as soon as possible.

The resident added: “We have just been left high and dry. Obviously I’m a bit concerned that I need to have my second jab so I’m fully protected.

“Everyone’s trying to be responsible but we can’t for a reason we don’t even know about.

“As for re-booking, I don’t have a clue what’s happening.”

A CCG spokesperson said: “Some patients were affected after appointments were brought forward for second doses in line with the current guidance, but they had not been able to be contacted prior to the change.

“They were offered alternative appointment slots straight away.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused and encourage those affected who have not yet received an alternative sl