Mid Essex health chiefs have issued a warning to residents after reports of Covid-19 vaccination scams.

A spokesperson for Mid Essex Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) said: "We are aware that some people are receiving fraudulent calls and text messages offering the Covid-19 vaccination.

"In some cases, people are asked to press a number on their keypad or to send a text message to confirm they wish to receive the vaccine.

"Doing so is likely to result in a charge being applied to their phone bill. In other cases, callers are offering the vaccine for a fee or asking for bank details."

The CCG wants people to be alert to these scams and at the same time aware of what will happen when the NHS does get in contact to offer a vaccination appointment.

The spokesperson added: "The vaccine is only available from the NHS and the NHS will contact you when it is your turn.

"The NHS will never ask you to press a button on your keypad or send a text asking you to confirm you want the vaccine.

We will never ask for payment for the vaccine or for your bank details."

If you believe you have been the victim of fraud or identity theft you should report this directly to Citizens Advice on 0808 2231133.