MORE walk-in Covid vaccinations are being offered across Dorset in a bid to get more people jabbed before the new year.

Both adults and children aged 12 to 15 can attend the walk-in offer at centres at King’s Park Hospital, Sentinel House in Poole and Vespasian House in Dorchester every day over the next two weeks, except Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Children must be accompanied by an adult who can give consent for them to be vaccinated.

Dr Andy Rutland, clinical lead for the Dorset vaccination programme, said: “It’s been an amazing effort by the NHS and its partners to make so many more slots available so quickly.

"I’d urge anyone who needs a first, second or booster dose not to waste any time and come along to see us at a site near you.”

Anyone who has a vaccination booking in January can attend a walk-in session now instead and be vaccinated earlier.

The additional walk-ins have been made available because NHS staff, supported by partners across the health and care system and the Armed Forces, are getting through booked appointments at a fast rate.

In the first week of the ramped-up programme staff vaccinated over 68,000 people, up nearly 62 per cent on the previous week.

Dr Rutland said most people will only experience mild side effects from the jab.

He said: “The majority of people will have nothing more than a slightly sore arm after their vaccination – don’t let that stop you from getting this vital protection as quickly as possible.”

Dawn Dawson, director of nursing, therapies and quality at Dorset HealthCare, said: “Getting your vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and others from becoming seriously ill with COVID-19. We’d like everyone to go into the New Year with hope and getting your vaccine is an important step towards a safer 2022.”

To see all the sites offering walk-ins and when they are available on the Dorset CCG’s website, visit https://www.dorsetccg.nhs.uk/vaccinations/sites/