The Queensway vaccination centre in Stevenage town centre will close next month.

Before it closes on December 14, it is offering longer opening hours and extra sessions to make it easier for eligible people to get their Covid and flu jabs. No appointment is needed.

It takes up to two weeks after the jab for the vaccine to offer the maximum protection, so the NHS is encouraging people to get protected in time for Christmas.

Jabs are also available at pharmacies, most GP practices, ‘pop up’ vaccination centres and outreach clinics offering vaccinations and COVID autumn boosters.

The flu vaccine is provided as a nasal spray for children and as an injection for adults.

Dr Jane Halpin, chief executive of the Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care Board, said:

“Getting vaccinated against flu and Covid is one of the most important ways to protect yourself and prevent the spread of these viruses to others.

"Getting your jabs can prevent you from being seriously ill and needing hospital care this winter when viruses circulate more easily.

“The flu jab and COVID booster can even be given at the same time if this service is available to you at your GP practice or community pharmacy.

"Coming forward is particularly important for those at higher risk to help avoid serious health complications. Both vaccines are safe and effective and are our best defence against these serious illnesses.

“As preparations are made to close the doors on the vaccination centre at Queensway in Stevenage, I’d like to pass on my heartfelt thanks to the staff and all the volunteers who worked there tirelessly to make sure the vaccination programme ran smoothly.

"They did a tremendous job and have saved people from very serious illness and lasting health problems.

“If you are eligible and have never had a COVID or flu vaccination before, it’s not too late to start now. You will always be welcomed. Make an appointment online, speak to a pharmacist, visit one of our local walk-in clinics or ring 119 for more information.”

More than 3.1 million COVID-19 vaccinations have been administered in Hertfordshire and west Essex since the start of the vaccination campaign and, by the time it closes, staff working at the Queensway centre will have delivered over 31,000 vaccinations since April this year.

Covid boosters are available to:

  • All adults aged 50 or over
  • Those aged 5 to 49 who are in a clinical risk group, including pregnant women
  • Those aged 5 to 49 who are household contacts of immunosuppressed people
  • Those aged 15 to 49 who are carers
  • Residents in care homes for older adults and staff
  • Frontline health and social care workers

Free flu vaccines are available to:

  • Anyone aged 6 months to 50 years in a clinical risk group
  • Children aged 2 or 3 on August 31, 2022
  • All primary school age children
  • Eligible children between 11 and 16
  • Pregnant women
  • Adults aged 50 or over
  • Those in long-stay residential are homes
  • Carers who are in receipt of carer's allowane or are the main carer of an older or disabled person
  • Close contacts of immunosuppressed people
  • Frontline health and social care staff