Pop-up vaccine clinics are being launched across Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley to make it easier for over-65s to get protected against flu this winter.
The Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley Health and Care Partnership (DGS HCP) announced the launch of a series of community pop-up vaccine clinics across the local area. These clinics have been set up in partnership with HCRG (community health services), local pharmacies, local authorities and community groups, and are designed to make it easier than ever before for eligible residents, particularly those aged 65 and over, to receive their vital winter vaccinations.
As well as being available at GP practices and selected pharmacies, the extra new clinics are being held in local, accessible, and familiar venues within the community, such as , churches and sports centres. By offering vaccinations closer to where people live, the initiative hopes to remove barriers and ensure that more residents can get protected quickly and conveniently.
Residents aged over 65 and over are now able to drop in to the following extra locations on selected dates:
- Longfield
Ash House, Ash Road, New Ash Green, Longfield, DA3 8JD - Monday 13th October – [10am – 1pm] (please note: limited accessibility for people with disabilities - few steps to enter and no nearby accessible parking)
- Swanley
White Oak Leisure Centre, Hilda May Avenue, Swanley, BR8 7BT - Thursday 23rd October – [10am-12pm]
- Gravesend
- Ellenor Hospice, Coldharbour Road, Gravesend, DA11 7HQ - Thursday 23rd October - [1pm – 5pm] and Friday 30th October - [10am-12pm]
- The Clarendon Royal Community - Royal Pier Road, Gravesend, DA12 2BE - Wednesday 29th October – [10am -1pm]
More pop-up community clinics will be announced soon, please check this page for updates
How to access:
If you are aged 65 and over and eligible for the flu vaccine, you can drop in and visit one of the clinics above;
or you book your slot at a GP practice or pharmacy in the usual way online at www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/vaccination-and-booking-services or by calling 119.
Please note: the pop-up community clinics are walk in only. The booking service is available to use for GP practices and pharmacies.
Local GP Partner and HCP Primary Care Medical Director, Dr. Julie Taylor, welcomed the initiative and highlighted why vaccination remains one of the most effective defences against flu:
“Vaccinations are one of the safest and most effective ways we have to protect people against serious illness. In winter, when respiratory viruses are much more common, getting your flu and winter jabs provides the greatest protection against hospitalisation. For older people, or those with long-term health conditions, it could be lifesaving.”
Flu can cause severe illness in older adults and those with underlying health problems, and Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley had previously recorded the lowest flu vaccination uptake across Kent and Medway, alongside some of the highest hospitalisation rates in the over-65s for flu and pneumonia. The pop-up clinics have been introduced as part of a targeted effort to improve access and uptake.
If you are aged 65 or over, now is the time to protect yourself. Pop-up clinics have been set up in local, familiar venues to make it quick and easy for you to get your jab. Don’t wait, getting vaccinated is the best way to stay healthy and avoid hospital this winter.