NHS vaccinators joined forces with a British army medical team to give more than 300 jabs to trainees and other personnel at a barracks in Gillingham.

The pop-up clinic, at Brompton Barracks, provided new recruits and other staff with the opportunity to have their booster vaccinations before heading home for Christmas. It was delivered by trained vaccinators from NHS Kent and Medway Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

Last week, the government announced all eligible adults aged 18 and over would be offered a booster vaccine by December 31, as long as it had been three months since their second dose, or 28 days since testing positive for Covid-19.

NHS Kent and Medway Clinical Commissioning Group’s Chief Nurse Paula Wilkins said: “The pop-up clinic at Brompton Barracks is a great example of how, by working together, we’re able to make sure as many people as possible are having their Covid-19 booster vaccinations.

“Those vaccinated at the barracks will be heading home, across the UK, for Christmas with knowledge that they have done everything possible to keep their friends and family safe.

“We have worked hard to increase capacity across Kent and Medway, to make sure everyone can have their booster vaccine. I urge anyone who is yet to book their booster, to go online to the national booking service, or phone 119, and book today.

“There is capacity across Kent and Medway. You may need to travel a bit further or wait a bit longer for an appointment at a clinic closest to you, but please make sure you book as soon as possible.’’

James Williams, Medway Council’s Director of Public Health, said: “Please protect yourself and others by following current guidance to reduce the risk of transmission of this virus. This includes regular hand washing, wearing face coverings where indicated and working from home, if your role allows.

"Keep using symptom-free tests and if symptomatic self-isolate and get a PCR test. We have a number of walk-in pop-up tests sites across Medway, and I encourage residents to visit or alternatively, order your kits online or dial 119. You can keep up to date with our symptom free test locations on our webpage.”

Everyone aged 18 and over is now eligible for their booster vaccination, as long as it’s been at least three months since their second dose, or 28 days since they’ve had a positive Covid-19 test.

The national booking service has been updated to allow everyone over 18 to book their Covid-19 booster.

Since Monday, December 13 anyone eligible can access walk-in vaccination clinics. Not all clinics are providing a walk-in service. Anyone looking to attend should check availability first at kentandmedwayccg.nhs.uk/covid19vaccine.

There could be queues outside the clinics, and it is recommended that anyone attending dresses appropriately for the cold weather.