A new Covid vaccination centre has opened at Larkhill Medical and Dental Centre on Saturday (January 16).

Sarum Health Group is leading the programme.

Currently, there are Covid vaccination centres operating at The Lights Theatre and Andover War Memorial Hospital.

Vaccinations will be offered to people in line with recommendations from the independent Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), with the NHS contacting people when it is their turn.

Dr Chet Sheth, GP Partner at Sarum Health Group, said: “This is the biggest advancement in medicine that we’ve had for many years. The virus is killing so many people it is an amazing feat to have developed a vaccine that can prevent so much harm.

“It is rewarding to see patient’s faces – no matter how busy we are, this is a reward for us as healthcare professionals as much as for the patients.

“The volunteers have been brilliant and I can’t thank them enough for helping us make this vaccination clinic happen.

“I want to assure people that your GP practice is a safe place to come to – you can be confident if you get called for your vaccination, do come in.”

Carol Fears, one of the first persons to receive vaccination at Larkhill centre, said: “Everyone has been so kind and helpful, showing us where to go and explaining what is going happen.

“There is nothing to worry about, it’s no worse than the flu jab. Everyone should have the vaccination to protect themselves, it’s so important.”

General Walter Courage, who also received his first jab from Larkhill, said it is everyone’s duty and responsibility to get the vaccination when offered one.

“We need to get people back to work and if you don’t have it you are making it worse for everyone.”

Frederick Marshall, another pensioner to receive the jab, said: “The vaccination is the most important thing we can do to try and quell the disease. I’m not having it just for me, it’s for other people to we can all stay safe.”