WALK-IN vaccination centres have now been launched in Southend to encourage over 40s to get their jab.

The clinics are taking place at Saxon Hall and Belle Vue Church from this week until the end of July.

The centres are offering the AstraZeneca vaccine to utilise stock and encourage those in areas with low uptake to get their jab.

Southend’s director for public health, Krishna Ramkhelawon, revealed uptake is lower in some areas of the town - with Westborough, Milton, Victoria and Kursaal among some of the worst wards.

NHS vaccine data has revealed that Kursaal ward has the lowest of just 65.2 per cent of people vaccinated.

Southend Central has an uptake of 67.6 per cent, while Victoria has an uptake of 68.9 per cent.

Mr Ramkhelawon said: “We are quite keen to start looking at those that are able to access the AstraZeneca jab to encourage them to take it up if they haven’t yet.

“Some areas we have an uptake of only 60 per cent.

“We need to utilise them. Some people are saying they don’t have the time after work so they are open around working times.”

Figures reveal three in five people in Southend have received two doses of the Covid vaccine.

NHS data shows 87,448 people had received both jabs by June 20.

Vaccinations are available at Saxon Hall on Wednesdays between 2pm and 8pm and on Sundays between 8am and 4pm.

Jabs are also available at Belle Vue Church from 8am until 2pm on Thursdays.

As of yesterday, Southend’s average infection rate was at 40 per 100,000.

Infection rates are highest in younger age groups, with those aged 11-18 seeing rates of 92 per 100,000.

In the 19-22 age group, the infection rate is 250 per 100,000.

On June 19, eight cases of Covid-19 were detected in Southend, however over the coming days, Mr Ramkhelawon expects this to rise quite a lot.

He added: “The important message is that we know in areas that the rates are very high, we’re seeing a reduction in the number of people who have had the vaccination.

“Those who are taking the vaccine are building the immunity they require to avoid being ill.

“The evidence is quite clear that risk of any vaccine is minimal, but the gain you have of protecting yourself is vital.

“If people have the vaccine they’re less likely to transmit the infection.

“Get your jab because there’s nothing better to protect yourself, your family and the community as well.”

Deputy leader of the council, Ron Woodley, said: “The more people get the vaccine the safer we will all be.

“Please go and get your jab.

“I hope people will take it up.”

Anyone can attend a walk-in centre with no appointment needed.