Worthing to hold three drop-in Covid vaccination clinics

Taking place on Saturday and Sunday (March 27 and 28), the three clinics will specifically be for patients of certain GP surgeries who are in the current priority groups.

That means people who are aged 50 and over, are clinically extremely vulnerable, have an underlying health condition like diabetes or are an unpaid carer will be able to get a jab without an appointment.

More than 90 per cent of over 70s and the clinically extremely vulnerable in Worthing are among the 58,000 people to have been vaccinated.

Over 60,000 doses have been given in total so far – more than half the population.

Eligibility for the three drop-in clinics are for first doses only and covers the following:

- Residents who are eligible and registered with Lime Tree and Barn – Saturday, March 27 from 9am to 3pm at Durrington Health Centre

- Residents who are eligible and registered with Cornerways, Selden Medical Centre, Strand Medical Group and Worthing Medical Group – Saturday, March 27 and Sunday, March 28 from 9am to 3pm at Strand Medical Centre

If you are registered at Broadwater Medical Centre, St Lawrence Surgery and Victoria Road Surgery, you will be contacted by the team to arrange your vaccination if you have not yet received it. Please do not attend these clinics.

Dr Rani Dhillon, Senior Partner at Lime Tree and Clinical Director of Coastal and South Downs Primary Care Network, said: “We are absolutely committed to making sure that everyone in Worthing is able to receive their vaccination.

“We know there are still some people in the priority groups who have not yet received their vaccine and we want to do all we can to make this as easy as possible.

“If you are in one of the eligible groups you are at risk of becoming very unwell and needing NHS support if you get COVID-19. This vaccine offers vital protection.

“We hope these drop in clinics help people to come forward and receive their vaccination this weekend.

“Please only attend if you are eligible and please attend the service linked to your GP practice; we want everyone who comes to be a worthwhile visit.”

If you are unable to get to your local vaccination service this weekend due to transport, there is now a transport service in place to help.

West Sussex residents who have no means to get to their COVID-19 vaccination appointment are now able to book a free return journey to help them attend.

To book free travel please call 01444 275 008 to speak to a travel coordinator. The booking service is available between 10:00-13:00 and 14:00-17:00 Monday to Friday.

Once you are through to a travel coordinator you will be asked the following questions:

• Do you have access to transport to attend your vaccine appointment?

• Do you have a family member, friend or carer who can help with transport? They do not have to be in your bubble as per government guidelines.

If both of these options are not available the travel coordinator will arrange transport for you, including any additional needs such as wheelchair-friendly vehicles. All transport providers have signed up to a COVID-19 safety policy to ensure that all precautions are in place for a safe journey.