A CITY centre vaccination centre is closing its doors at the end of the day today.

The vaccination centre at Churchill Square in Brighton is shutting down after giving nearly 182,000 vaccinations for Covid-19.

It has been operating at the former Topshop site since August 2021 after moving from its original location at the Brighton Centre.

The decision comes after a reduction in demand for jabs as people become fully vaccinated.

Covid vaccinations are still being offered at local clinics, some pharmacies and at mobile units.

A spokesman for the Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust - which operates the centre, said: “Large-scale vaccination centres like Churchill Square have been an integral part of our vaccination efforts in Sussex.

The Argus:

"At its peak, the centre was able to give over 1,000 vaccinations every day, and thanks to the team there we have helped to keep thousands of people safe from Covid-19.

“As more and more become fully vaccinated, the need for such a large vaccination centre in the city has reduced.

"For those that still need it or are yet to come forward, the Covid-19 vaccination continues to be available at smaller community venues and mobile sites that are easy for people to get to or they may be more familiar with.

“I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has played their part in running the vaccination centre at Churchill Square.

"It has been a monumental effort that has made a significant difference to the health of our local communities, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of everyone involved.”

The Argus:

Councillor Samer Bagaeen, who represents Hove Park ward, said the decision is surprising given the city’s low vaccination rate.

He said: “This decision is unbelievable and put into perspective the city’s low vaccination rates and the inability of the council to reach those communities that had been hard to reach all through the pandemic.

“We could have scaled back the vaccination unit but to close it down without consultation and with a week’s notice is unbelievable in a city where council officers cannot attend meetings in person and where Green councillors continue to wear masks in council buildings.”