The 66-year-old, who did not wish to be named, has raised concerns about infection control measures at the new NHS Wellness Hub in the Castle Quarter in Norwich.
The centre is taking on the lion’s share of the region’s vaccine roll-out, which was brought forward following a new variant outbreak in a Shipdham care home.
But the centre, which is a stone’s throw from where the original vaccine hub was in the mall food court, has been criticised for infection control measures.
The woman, who has chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, said: “It was a very different experience to the original hub where the seating was spread out, you went up one at a time and masks were worn by everybody.
“I was there about 40 minutes and was surrounded by elderly people coughing and sneezing, there was no kind of social distancing and I was the only person wearing a mask.
“I was extremely worried the whole time and although the staff all did their best, the infection control was sadly lacking.”
The vaccine service at the hub is run by Hertfordshire Community Services Trust on behalf of NHS Norfolk and Waveney.
A spokesman for the trust said: “We are absolutely committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment, following all of the recommended infection control measures for anybody visiting our vaccination centres.
“All infection control measures, including the provision of masks on request, hand sanitiser and socially distanced seating are in place at our centre in Castle Quarter.
“A private room is available for anyone who wishes to avoid the main area and although it is now not mandatory to wear a fast mask, our staff will wear one on request.
“We would urge anyone who feels uncomfortable visiting our centre to make themselves known to a member of our team to discuss any concerns so we can make alternative arrangements for them.”
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