A SERIES of walk-in Covid vaccination clinics will be held in Bournemouth for younger people next week, as cases of the virus continue to rise locally.

Dorset Healthcare University NHS Foundation Trust, which is running the pop-up Covid clinics at St Luke's Church, Winton, says no appointment is necessary.

The Pfizer vaccine will be available for anyone aged 18-39 who needs their first dose.

Anna Chainey, Dorset Healthcare's Covid-19 service manager, said: "We’re really pleased to be offering a hyper-local pop-up service that will hopefully be really convenient for people in this age group living in low take-up areas.

"Our staff are very well-practised in giving vaccines after six months of operating our large vaccination centre so you’ll be in good hands, with volunteers to support and reassure you throughout the process."

The clinics, at the church on St Luke's Road, Winton, Bournemouth are scheduled for:

• Monday, June 28, from 8am until 11.30am

• Wednesday, June 30, from 3pm until 7pm

• Saturday, July 3, from 11am until 3pm

Vaccination programme bosses say they chose St Luke’s Church as the venue because vaccine take-up rates are lower in Bournemouth and this was an opportunity to bring the service right into the community for this age group.

A Dorset Healthcare spokesman said: "Dorset health and care organisations are continuing to investigate other opportunities and locations to vaccinate as many local people as possible.

With cases of COVID-19 on the rise in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area, it’s all the more important that people have their jab to help prevent serious illness and reduce the risk of spreading the virus.

"The number of doses given in Dorset is edging towards one million and over 80 per cent of local people have now had their first jab."

You can also still book your vaccination at other locations through the National Booking System (www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19) including local pharmacies – or access it via many GP networks.

Visit www.dorsetccg.nhs.uk/vaccinations to find out more.