Councillor calls for vaccination clinic in Seaford

A walk-in vaccine clinic for people over 40 was held in Lower Place Car Park in Newhaven last week – and councillor Sam Adeniji is concerned that the same is not being held in Seaford

He said a car park in the town, or the Baptist Church or Leisure Centre, could be used for this purpose.

Mr Adeniji said: “Throughout the pandemic all the drop-in and walk-in sessions along the coast have been in Peacehaven, Newhaven or Eastbourne.

“I am concerned that yet again the local NHS appears to be ignoring the people of Seaford.

“Why should we have to travel to neighbouring towns for our health treatments, drop-in Covid vaccination or drop-in Covid tests?

“Seaford has the largest population within the Lewes District and one of the largest towns along the coast, yet increasingly health services are being delivered in neighbouring towns at the expense of Seaford.”

He added: “Whilst I understand that certain services e.g. mass Covid vaccination are best provided from a large central point, this is not an excuse for the local NHS not to provide these services locally here in Seaford where possible.

“It does appear that the NHS are always missing an opportunity to provide these services in Seaford.

“We welcome an opportunity for the NHS to arrange a drop-in Covid vaccination or a drop-in test session in Seaford.”

A spokesperson for the Sussex COVID-19 Vaccination Programme said: “We thank Councillor Sam Adeniji for his support of the vaccination programme and his desire to make sure Seaford residents are able to receive their vaccinations.

“We are really pleased to say that the uptake in Seaford has been fantastic and is ahead of many other areas regionally and nationally.

“To date almost nine out of ten adults have had their first dose, and more than seven out of ten have now had their second.

“The data shows that there are about 3000 people in the area who are not yet vaccinated – this includes those who have actively said they do not want it.

“We are continuing to encourage anyone who is yet to have their vaccination to come forward and book via the national booking system or to attend a walk in session.

“We are looking at further walk in sessions across all of our communities, especially where uptake is lower over the coming three weeks, as we work to ensure that all adults have the opportunity to have their vaccination.”

A free transport service is in place for anyone who needs help attending their jab appointment – find out more here.

Another pop-up clinic is being held in Newhaven on July 1.

People can attend to get the AstraZeneca, first or second dose, from 11am to 4pm at Lower Place Car Park – find out more here.