Health bosses have pledged to set up a new Covid vaccination centre in Sittingbourne after it emerged residents were being forced to travel to other towns.

However, plans were only put forward after KentOnline informed the Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) of the lack of jab sites in the area.

Maureen Boorman from Gore Court Road in Sittingbourne was surprised to be told she would need to go to Faversham, 10 miles away, to get her second booster.

The 84-year-old said: “Everyone over the age of 75 was advised to have this vaccination, so I phoned 119 to book, only to be told nowhere in the town was offering the jabs.

“I am sure many people who are 75 and over do not or cannot drive a car and it must be a big problem for them to get somewhere.

“I just don’t understand why there is no facility in Sittingbourne.”

When first contacted, the Kent and Medway CCG insisted appointments were available at Superdrug in Sittingbourne High Street.

But the store said they had not been distributing the jab for weeks.

The CCG later amended its statement, saying: “We have worked hard to make sure the Covid-19 vaccination is available to everyone who is eligible across Kent and Medway.

“However, we recognise the need for increased capacity in Sittingbourne. We are working to establish a new, regular vaccination centre in the town.

“A site has been identified and, subject to final checks, we hope to have the new clinic, catering for all ages, up and running within the next few weeks.

“We are also working with a neighbouring group of GP practices, to provide extra support via pop-up clinics.

“In the meantime, vaccinations are available in nearby towns including, Faversham, Leysdown, Lordswood and Gillingham.”

Sittingbourne was also slow to start the rollout of its jab programme, lagging behind neighbouring Sheppey by more than six weeks last winter.