Skip to content

In Pictures: The view inside the Essex Covid-19 mass vaccination centre

On Monday, the government opened 10 new mass vaccination sites across England. One of them is in Essex, which has seen some of the highest infection rates in the country. The BBC joined two patients on their whistle-stop journeys through the vaccination centre.

News imageBBC The Lodge at Runwell is Essex's first vaccination centreBBC
Patients over the age of 80 received their invitations to be vaccinated at the new centre in Runwell, Wickford over the weekend. The centre has been set up at the Essex Partnership University Trust headquarters building
News imageBBC Dennis Yeomans arriving for his vaccineBBC
Among those arriving to be vaccinated was Dennis Yeomans. The centre has a one-way system with volunteer stewards helping patients from arrival to departure
News imageBBC Dennis having antibacterial hand wash appliedBBC
All patients are checked in, given hand sanitiser and then taken through to the consultation room for a brief chat about their health and what to expect with the vaccine
News imageBBC Vaccines preparedBBC
To speed up the process, medical staff prepare the vaccine shots for individual patients so they are ready to be given when they sit down
News imageBBC The Covid-19 vaccineBBC
The Runwell vaccination centre distributed about 200 vaccines on its first day of opening. Within days, 520 vaccinations are expected to be administered daily to patients. Louise Hembrough (pictured with the vaccine) said the centre would vaccinate thousands of people each week
News imageBBC Dennis receiving his vaccineBBC
Mr Yeomans said the vaccine was painless and was a little surprised to be offered a sticker by the nurse after receiving the injection
News imageBBC Janet MarriageBBC
Also receiving her first dose on Monday was 90-year-old Janet Marriage
News imageBBC Janet MarriageBBC
"Oh, I'm quite happy to have it in either arm," Mrs Marriage told the nurse.
News imageBBC Janet Marriage after her vaccinationBBC
Within five minutes, Mrs Marriage was on her way out of the centre. "Now comes the hard part," she said. "I've got to try and find my son in the car park"

Photography: Laurence Cawley

News imagepresentational grey line

Find BBC News: East of England on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. If you have a story suggestion email eastofenglandnews@bbc.co.uk