As the Covid-19 vaccination is rolled out across Maldon district and Essex, local NHS chiefs are asking those who would like to volunteer to help to get in touch.

Thirteen GP sites cross the mid and south Essex area have now become operational since early December.

Subject to vaccine supplies coming through to them, the CCG expects another 12 GP-led vaccination sites to go live across the area (which includes Basildon, Thurrock, Chelmsford, Braintree, Brentwood, Southend, Rochford and Castle Point, as well as Maldon district) by Friday, 15 January).

These GP-led vaccination sites involve local practices working together to provide the rollout to local residents, as is the case in the Maldon hub at the district council offices. In addition to the GP sites, there are the local hospital hubs, too.

A spokesperson for Mid Essex Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) said:

"Last week's announcement that the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine has been authorised for use in the UK is very welcome and we are seeing more Covid-19 vaccine supplies arriving across mid and south Essex. Increased supply also means that vaccination can now be expanded to more care homes and frontline health and social care workers."

"As the NHS gears up to open more centres in the next few weeks, the local health and care system is seeking volunteers that can help people to play their part in protecting the community and saving lives."

If you are interested in volunteering you can email the local NHS via the link here.

Details of all vaccination sites as they go live are available on the Mid Essex CCG website here.

The CCG has also reminded residents of the following points to help keep the vaccination rollout progressing smoothly:

• don't contact the NHS to seek a vaccine as you will be contacted when it is your turn
• when you are contacted attend your booked appointments on time – avoid arriving too early to help prevent queues;
• continue to follow all the guidance to control the virus and save lives.