Phoenix House in Tunbridge Wells is usually home to the 579 Field Squadron of the Royal Engineers, but it has now also become one of a number of vaccine sites that has been rolled out by an online pharmacist.
Pharmacy2U has 20 other centres across England in venues such as cinemas and hotel chains and has provided the jab to more than 350,000 people.
The new centre in Tunbridge Wells comes as NHS contracts at a number of vaccine hubs are coming to an end because leisure centres and other venues, such as the Angel Centre in Tonbridge, have started to resume their normal activities.
Patients contacted by the NHS via letter, text or email are now able to book their jab at the barracks.
It comes as people aged between 25-29 have been invited to book their Covid jabs.
Recent figures by Public Health England show that 111,565 vaccinations – either first or second dose – have been delivered in Tunbridge Wells. And data from the Office for National Statistics show that 34,850 people over 50 in Tunbridge Wells have had both doses of the vaccine – around 73 per cent.
Covid-19 rates are on the rise in Tunbridge Wells. For the seven days to May 30, 18 new cases were reported, more than double the previous week’s eight cases, and people are being urged to book their appointments once contacted by the NHS or their GP.
Phil Day, Superintendent Pharmacist at Pharmacy2U, said: “This is a vitally important service for people across the country, ensuring the most vulnerable in our communities get this vaccination and protect themselves against Covid-19.
“The NHS have been working above and beyond expectation for more than a year, and it’s important that they get the support they need.
“We’ve been working hard to make sure we can offer these sites and help our existing and new patients, whilst alleviating pressure on the NHS.”
He added that all vaccinations will be administered by a qualified healthcare professional, and patients will be required to return for the follow-up jab.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, Pharmacy2U has helped patients avoid over six million trips outdoors by safely delivering over 14.5 million medicines directly to their door.
Mark Livingstone, CEO of the online pharmacy, added: “We are incredibly proud at Pharmacy2U to help play our part in protecting the most vulnerable people against Covid-19 and supporting the incredible effort the NHS has put into the vaccination programme.
“The continued launch of our sites marks a huge step in increasing the number of people that will have access to the vaccine, and we feel privileged to be able to do so and help ease some of the huge pressures that the NHS are currently under.
“Our vaccination centres and fully trained first aiders will be supporting pharmacists to give patients these vital vaccinations, providing an essential service to help prevent the spread of this terrible virus.
“We’re working closely with the national and regional NHS teams to deliver further vaccination sites for patients in areas that need them most.”
