ESSEX’s first Covid-19 vaccination centre opened in Wickford one year ago this week, the first step in a programme which has since seen more than 3,400 vaccines delivered per day across ten sites.

Vaccinations began at The Lodge in Runwell on January 19 2021 by the Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT).

Since then EPUT has administered 1,245,383 vaccinations across all of its vaccination centres, with other sites opening in Southend, Thurrock, Chelmsford, Clacton-on-Sea, South Woodham Ferrers, Colchester, Ipswich, Stowmarket and Bury St Edmunds.

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Nigel Leonard, EPUT’s executive director of major projects at EPUT who has co-ordinated the vaccination centres, said: “This is a major milestone and I am so proud of all our staff who have worked effortlessly to ensure we vaccinate as many people as possible.

“We are delighted to be part of the vaccination delivery programme and we are celebrating the massive amount of hard work by hundreds of our healthcare colleagues and volunteer marshals across mid and south Essex and Suffolk and north east Essex.”

Over the last 12 months more than 123,000 people have been vaccinated at The Lodge, with more than 38,000 people receiving their first dose, more than 46,500 getting their second dose, and more than 38,700 their booster. 

Mr Leonard added: “While we take a moment to recognise the achievements of the last 12 months, I encourage as many people as possible who still need a first, second or booster jab to come forward and book your vaccination as soon as possible.”

EPUT provides community health, mental health and learning disability services to around 1.3 million people across Essex and Suffolk.

The trust is encouraging people to book a scheduled appointment at a local vaccination centre at nhs.uk/covid-vaccination or by phoning 119.

Walk-in appointments are also available – these are on a first come first served basis, although there is plenty of supply. Please dress appropriately for the weather if you using the walk-in service.