Local health providers have thanked the community for their support with the Covid vaccination campaign - and put out an important message to those waiting to get the jab.

Mid Essex Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has asked members of the public to support the vaccination effort by:

• waiting to be contacted about when it's the right time to come forward and not to seek a vaccine before then
• acting on their invite and making sure to attend appointments when arranged
• continuing to abide by all the social distancing and hand hygiene guidance, which will still save lives.

A CCG spokesperson said: "In line with national guidance, people aged 80 and over as well as care home patients and staff are the first to receive the vaccination, along with NHS workers who are at higher risk."

And there was good news about the vaccination programme soon being delivered from some other places in the community, including 'primary care network sites', such as selected community health centres and GP surgeries.

The spokesperson added: "In addition, five wave one primary care network sites will beginning vaccinating over the next few weeks. It is hoped to be able to offer all health and care staff in mid and South Essex the vaccination as soon as possible."