Over-60s can now book their jab at the Bournemouth vaccination centre

Update 2 March: Over 60s are now eligible for the vaccine.

Update 25 February: over 64s are now eligible for the vaccine.

Bookings at Dorset’s large vaccination centre are open for those aged 60 and over, now that most people in the top four ‘at risk’ groups have been offered the jab.

The centre – based in the Purbeck Hall of the Bournemouth International Centre – is being run by Dorset HealthCare and opened on 18 January.

It’s played a key part in vaccinating people who are clinically extremely vulnerable and health and care staff, alongside a massive effort by hospital hubs and GPs working in their primary care networks.

Now it’s the turn of the over-60s. Anyone who has had a letter inviting them to be jabbed can book direct, using their NHS number, on the national booking system – www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination – or by ringing 119 if they don’t have access to the internet. Calls are free, and the line is open from 7am-11pm, seven days a week.

Once booked, you can find out all you need to know about attending the centre at www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/covid-19-vaccination-service.

Kate Harvey, Dorset HealthCare service director, said: “Our large vaccination centre is part of a coordinated effort across health and care in Dorset to offer vaccinations in a range of ways and settings.

“The hard work and dedication of our staff has been incredible, with fantastic enthusiasm and support from local people – feedback shows a 97% satisfaction rate from those who’ve had a vaccination at the BIC.

“We’re very much looking forward to welcoming our over-65s to the centre, with staff and volunteers from Community Action Network doing all they can to make it a positive experience.”

Dr Karen Kirkham, local Dorset GP, and clinical lead for the Dorset COVID-19 vaccination programme, said: “We’ve made a really strong start in Dorset with a huge collective effort across health and care to vaccinate the first four priority groups of local people. More than 201,000 doses have been given so far, with 92% of people aged over 80 to receiving at least one dose.

“Thank you to everyone who has played a part in the vaccination programme for Dorset – we are very proud of the way everyone has pulled together and is making a real difference for local people.”

People are being vaccinated in the priority order set out by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation to ensure those most at risk are vaccinated first.

If you prefer not to travel to the Bournemouth vaccination centre you can contact your GP who can arrange your jab for you more locally.