A SPORTS centre not far from Colchester is opening its doors as a walk-in Covid vaccination centre this week.

The Essex Partnership University Trust (EPUT) has announced the Gainsborough Vaccination Centre in Ipswich will be open for two days of walk-in clinics.

Walk in appointments are for people aged 40 and over to receive their first dose of the vaccine and for people aged 50 and over who would like to bring forward their second dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine from 12 to eight weeks.

Gainsborough Vaccination Centre, in Brazier's Wood Road, Ipswich, will be open for walk ins on Thursday and Friday between 10am and 6pm.

There will be limited numbers of vaccine and the walk-ins will close once the daily vaccine supply runs out.

Everyone turning up for their first dose must either bring their NHS number with them or alternatively ID with proof of their age, for example a driving licence or passport.

Those arriving for your second dose, should bring their first dose appointment card which shows the vaccine you were given.

If you don’t have this, please make sure to bring your NHS number.

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Nigel Leonard, executive director of strategy and transformation at EPUT, who is co-ordinating the vaccination centres across Suffolk and North East Essex and Mid and South Essex, said: “These walk in appointments are designed to encourage people who would like the flexibility to just turn up for their vaccine to fit in with their life commitments.”

Residents are advised there may be a wait and social distancing rules must followed.

People who are age 25 to 39, or who would prefer the certainty of a guaranteed booked appointment, can book online at nhs.uk/covid-vaccination or phone 119 to get their appointment scheduled.