A new Covid-19 vaccination centre opened in Canterbury on Monday and is geared up to inoculate 2,500 people a week, say health bosses.

It is based at the Canterbury Sea Cadet building in Vauxhall Road and is being led by Northgate Medical Practice with GP practices across the city involved in its day-to-day operation.

The Northgate practice is continuing to offer a number of vaccinations at its main building for people in the cohorts one to nine.

But the vast majority of vaccinations for people under 50 will be carried out at the Sea Cadets hub.

Vaccinations are currently open to people aged 32 or over and can be booked online or by calling 119.

Dr Ross Lindsay, clinical director for Canterbury North Primary Care Network, says anyone who is eligible in the Canterbury and surrounding areas will be able to book themselves an appointment online at the new hub after receiving their invitation letter from NHS England.

"Available slots will correspond to our vaccine delivery dates and people will automatically be able to book to receive the most appropriate vaccine," he said.

"This centre will mean more eligible people in the local area can be vaccinated..."

“By opening this second site, we can vaccinate more people in a convenient location and we may begin to return to normal in our main practice.

Dr Navin Kumta, clinical chair of NHS Kent and Medway Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said: “This centre will mean more eligible people in the local area can be vaccinated and is another step closer to us reaching the target of offering the vaccine to all adults by summer.”

Cllr Barbara Flack, lead councillor for property and parking for Canterbury City Council which owns the building, said: "We're proud to be doing all we can to help the CCG get as many jabs into people's arms as possible throughout both the district and the county.

"The NHS continues to do a wonderful job and the vaccination programme has helped put the district firmly on the road to recovery."

President, of Training Ship Courageous Canterbury Sea and Royal Marine Cadets, Sir Julian Brazier said: "It is a privilege for Canterbury Sea Cadets to be able to help in this vital work to deliver Kent’s Covid vaccination programme."

A second vaccination centre is continuing to operate out of the Odeon Cinema in St George's Place, Canterbury.

For more information about the Kent and Medway Covid vaccination programme go to www.kentandmedwayccg.nhs.uk/covid19vaccine.

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