Bedford Heights Covid-19 vaccination centre will close for three weeks from April 1

The Covid-19 vaccination centre at Bedford Heights is set to close for three weeks due to a shortage of the coronavirus vaccine.

It will close on April 1 and is due to reopen on April 19.

Earlier this month health secretary Matt Hancock told MPs the country's supply of the vaccine had been affected by a delayed shipment from India - but said that it wouldn't have an impact on the roadmap out of lockdown.

And NHS Bedfordshire Luton and Milton Keynes Clinical Commissioning Groups (BLMK CCG) said there would be a temporary pause to vaccine appointments at the centre on Manton Way in response to the national situation.

A spokesperson for NHS Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Clinical Commissioning Groups said: “We want to reassure the public that none of our vaccination centres are closing permanently. We have made excellent progress in the provision of the vaccine to our adult population.

"Our focus currently, in response to the national vaccine situation, is to ensure that there is enough supply for those existing second dose appointments.

“Anyone concerned about their second vaccination should either contact their GP or NHS 119.”

Last week Bedford MP Mohammad Yasin expressed his disappointment with the delay, saying he had raised the issue with the Government's Vaccine Minister and received assurances that the Government would do everything possible to avoid further shortages.

And in January he again criticised the Government when the vaccination centre at the Guru Nanak Gurdwara Temple in Queen's Park was forced to close for a week due to a supply shortage.