THREE walk-in Covid vaccination clinics will be held at Bournemouth University this week.

Following the demand at the pop-ups in Winton last week, health bosses have confirmed the additional sessions at the Talbot Campus.

Anyone aged over 18 in the local area who needs their first vaccine dose is invited to attend the clinics, which will see staff from Dorset HealthCare administer the Pfizer vaccine.

No appointment is needed for the sessions at Kimmeridge House, with around 400 doses available each day on a first come, first served basis.

The dates and times for the three clinics are as follows:

  • Thursday, July 8 – 10am to 4.30pm
  • Friday, July 9 – 10am to 4.30pm
  • Saturday, July 10– 10am to 4.30pm

Dorset HealthCare, the NHS trust responsible for the vaccine rollout across the county, said there will be further walk-in opportunities at the Bournemouth International Centre (Purbeck Hall) from 14 July, with more details released later this week.

Early reopening has been possible due to a concerted effort by health, care and community partners coming together to support the set-up and operation, the trust said.

Normal booked appointments will resume at the BIC from July 19 – residents can book your slot now on the National Booking System.

Anna Chainey, Dorset HealthCare’s COVID-19 service manager, said: “We were delighted at the response to our walk-in clinics in Winton – we were able to vaccinate around 400 people across the three days.

“Many people told us how convenient it was to go to a venue very local to them so we hope that this next set of clinics is also popular. We’re also delighted to be back in the BIC soon – we’ve had such a fantastic response to our service there with 98 per cent of visitors saying they’re satisfied with their experience.”

Staff will also be on hand to support people to book an appointment on another day if that’s what residents prefer.

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 on the rise in the BCP Council area, it is all the more important that people have their jab to help prevent serious illness and reduce the risk of spreading the virus, the trust said.

The number of doses given in Dorset has now topped one million and around 80 per cent of local people have now had their first jab.

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

To find out more go to the Dorset vaccination programme information hub at dorsetccg.nhs.uk/vaccinations