Covid-19 vaccination clinics open in Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight

The first GP surgeries across Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight will start vaccinating patients against Coronavirus today.

The sites including Christchurch, Southampton, Fareham, Winchester, Portsmouth and Carisbrooke are taking delivery of the vaccine and some will start their clinics this afternoon.

The initial roll-out is for the over 80s.

A Christchurch GP surgery has confirmed it will be holding mass Coronavirus vaccination clinics today (Tuesday 15th) and Thursday 17th December from 1pm.

A statement on the surgery's website said: "The practice and the car park is going to be incredibly busy.

"We therefore kindly ask that where possible, all patients avoid attending the surgery during this time and contact us via telephone or email.

"Over the coming weeks, we will begin to invite patients to book in for their Covid vaccine. Please do not contact us – if you fall into an eligible category, you will be called in as soon as there is enough vaccine available."

Across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight the first GP-led sites going live with vaccination clinics this week are:

Fareham Community Hospital

Hampshire Court Hotel, Basingstoke

Festival Hall, Petersfield

St Peters Surgery, Southampton

New Milton Health Centre

Bursledon Surgery

Colden Common Surgery

Badger Farm Community Centre, Winchester

Kingston Crescent Surgery, Portsmouth

Carisbrooke Health Centre, Isle of Wight

Dr Matt Nisbet, from the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Partnership of Clinical Commissioning Groups, said: "This is a very big moment for lots of people.

"For those of us working in surgeries across Hampshire it is a huge task, but also a real privilege to be part of this national effort to protect ourselves from the virus.

"And for many of the patients we serve, receiving the vaccine will be a giant stride towards being able to live a more normal life again.

"We would love to be able to vaccinate everyone, immediately, but clearly that is not going to be possible.

"I would urge everyone to be patient – GP surgeries across the county will contact you when we can offer you the vaccine, and we will start with the most vulnerable people first.

"The development of this vaccine, and hopefully others as well, is fantastic news but we must still take care to protect ourselves, and those around us.

"The NHS will vaccinate people as quickly as we can, but there is still the risky winter period ahead, and it is vital that we all keep up our guard."