People on the peninsula concerned over text messages asking them to book Covid-19 vaccinations are part of a scam have been assured they are genuine.

The Ipswich and East Suffolk Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG and Suffolk GP Federation have assured patients both the text and the web address are legitimate, but accept some problems have occurred and concerns over scams are understandable.

One lady who tried to book an appointment via the text from NHS No Reply, which includes a website address, became concerned at some of the questions being asked and the process.

Christine Ward, from Chelmondiston, said: "I responded via my phone but was concerned when my phone raised a message about possible risk to my device. My husband Tony opened the www address and all went through showing availability in York and Huntingdon!! He was then asked to 'register' and knew that was different to his own invite and we exited. It looks kosher under NHS logo."

Others have experienced similar issues, including being told the the reference code being timed out.

The CCG are aware there have been some technical issues, with a message saying the reference code has timed, out, among them, and the phone lines have been so busy not all callers can be answered.

People waiting for vaccines will be contacted by letter automatically, and need not respond to texts, especially if there are problems.

A spokesman for the Ipswich and East Suffolk Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) said: "The Suffolk GP Federation is helping 28 of the 62 GP practices covered by the two Suffolk clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) with the COVID-19 vaccination programme.

"We are running five vaccination centres, at Debenham, Haverhill, Ipswich (Trinity Park), Stowmarket and Woodbridge to support these practices.

"If a patient has given their GP practice their mobile phone number, we are texting them (from "NHS-NoReply"). The text includes a link to a website (https://www.my-healthbook.co.uk/booking) which the patient can use to book an appointment to be vaccinated."

The 28 practices are: Barham & Claydon; Burlington Road, Ipswich; Chesterfield Drive, Ipswich; Combs Ford; Deben Road, Ipswich; Debenham; Derby Road, Ipswich; Eye; Felixstowe Road, Ipswich; Framlingham, Framfield House, Woodbridge; Fressingfield; Glemsford; Hawthorn Drive, Ipswich; Haverhill Family; Holbrook & Shotley; Little St John's, Woodbridge; Mendlesham; Needham Market; Norwich Road, Ipswich; Orchard Street, Ipswich; Dr Solway, Ipswich; Peninsula (Alderton & Aldeburgh); Ravenswood, Ipswich; Stowhealth, Stowmarket; Unity Healthcare (formerly Christmas Maltings), Haverhill; Wickham Market; and Wickhambrook."

Details can be found on the Suffolk and North East Essex COVID-19 Vaccination Service website (www.sneevaccine.org.uk) where examples of COVID-19 vaccine scam in circulation can be found.

The COVID-19 vaccine will always be available free of charge. The NHS will never ask you to share bank details to confirm your identity or pay for a vaccine.