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Maidstone Covid-19 vaccination centre moving from Lockmeadow Odeon to former Laura Ashley store in Fremlin Walk

12:23, 14 May 2021

updated: 12:56, 14 May 2021

A vaccination centre set up in a town's cinema is to be relocated so the picture house can be reopened to movie-goers as lockdown is eased further on Monday.

Since February people have been receiving their Covid-19 vaccinations at the Maidstone Odeon at the Lockmeadow entertainment complex in Barker Road.

Vaccinations have been taking place at the Odeon cinema in Maidstone. Picture: Katie Heslop
Vaccinations have been taking place at the Odeon cinema in Maidstone. Picture: Katie Heslop

Now the Pharmacy2U-operated vaccine hub is to be moved to the former Laura Ashley store in the County Town's Fremlin Walk shopping centre.

Despite the forthcoming relaxation of lockdown - which will see indoor drinking and dining allowed, hotels opening, and more indoor leisure options available - the NHS Kent and Medway Clinical Commissioning Group has confirmed the Maidstone centre is the only jab site that will change next week.

In Canterbury the vaccination centre at the city's Odeon cinema is to remain open to those eligible to receive their protective shot.

Six areas in Kent - Ashford, Dover, Sevenoaks, Folkestone and Hythe, Thanet and Tonbridge and Malling - have now given first doses to 70% of the population.

Of these, three have fully vaccinated more than 40% of their population - Dover, Folkestone and Hythe and Thanet.

Across the county the vaccine is being given at local vaccination centres run by GPs, at large vaccination centres such as the Angel Centre in Tonbridge and the former Debenhams store in Folkestone, and in some pharmacies and hospitals.

More than 35 additional GPs sites have been approved to provide the vaccine locally, meaning some people may be offered a location closer to their home.

The vaccine roll-out has now been extended to those aged 38 or over and those who will turn 38 before July 1.

Read more: All the latest news from Maidstone

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