A NEW walk-in Covid vaccine clinic will be opening in Richmond borough next week, offering vital booster jabs in time for Christmas gatherings.

The centre will open from Monday 20 to Friday 24 December and be based at Richmond Adult Community College (RHACC) in Richmond town centre.

Anyone aged 12 or over can come and get a vaccine, however, young people aged 12 to 15 may need to wait for nurses to become available.

First and second doses of the Pfizer vaccines will be on offer, and booster jabs (for those eligible) will also be available. No appointments are needed but you may have to queue.

Here are the opening hours for the clinic:

- Monday 20 December from 11am to 6pm

- Wednesday 22 December from 9am to 6pm

- Friday 24 December from 9am to 5pm

More dates have been added to the vaccination clinic at West Middlesex Hospital, Isleworth.

This clinic is offering Pfizer doses to anyone aged 16+ and booster doses to eligible adults (18 and over).

It is located at Percy House Portacabin, West Middlesex Hospital, Twickenham Road, TW7 6AF.

Here are the new opening times:

- Monday 20 to Thursday 23 December from 8.30am to 7pm

- Monday 27 and Tuesday 28 December from 8am to 4pm

- Friday 31 December from 8.30am to 2pm

Cllr Gareth Roberts, Leader of Richmond Council, said: "We've had an amazing response to vaccinations in Richmond, with the majority of our population now eligible for their booster as they've already had their first and second doses.

"If you've not had a chance yet to get any of your COVID-19 vaccinations, it doesn't matter why, it's not too late.

"Even one dose is better than none, so please book an appointment or get to a walk-in clinic as soon as you can.

"It is a huge collective effort to ensure every eligible adult gets access to a booster jab.

"However, the vaccine programme and everyone behind its success has risen to every challenge time and time again, and I know they are pulling out all the stops to protect people.

"The message is clear - please get the booster jab now, as that's the best way to ensure you and your loved ones are as protected as possible from COVID-19 this Christmas.

"We will support our colleagues at the NHS with this mission in any way we can, as it is in everyone's best interests and will help to protect our health services and get us get back to living our lives normally, which is something we all want to do."

Dr Nicola Jones, local GP and clinical lead for the vaccination programme, said "NHS staff are already working incredibly hard to deliver covid vaccines as swiftly as possible, but there is growing concern around the speed with which Omicron spreads.

"Two doses do provide some protection, but a booster dramatically improves this, which is why we are doing everything in our power to rise to this extraordinary challenge and ensure that people receive as much protection as possible.

"The online booking system is already open for over 30s and will shortly open to all adults – please don't hesitate with your booking and get boosted now.

"The best way to get your vaccine is by booking online or by calling 119 – please do keep checking availability as we load more appointments onto the system every day."

Find out more on the Council website: www.richmond.gov.uk/news/december_2021/new_walk_in_vaccination_centre_richmond