Record numbers come forward for their jabs in Dorset

Thousands of Dorset people have grabbed their jab in the last couple of weeks as part of the rapid ramp-up of the COVID-19 vaccination programme.

The latest figures show a significant increase in the number of vaccinations given since the Prime Minister’s announcement on 12 December. The figures for the month are:

• w/c 6 December: 41,900
• w/c 13 December: 69,414
• w/c 20 December (to 23/12): 46,555.

Well over 30,000 doses were given on the weekend of 18/19 December alone.

Bookings have predictably dropped off as we approach the Christmas weekend so the Sentinel House centre in Poole will be closed on both 24 and 27 December to ensure sufficient staffing at remaining centres.

There are sites open all of next week (including bank holidays), including Vespasian House in Dorchester, King’s Park, Bournemouth, and numerous primary care-run sites. The large centres are closed on New Year’s Day and all re-open on 2 January.

Dorset HealthCare’s Director of Nursing, Quality and Therapies Dawn Dawson said:

“I’m so proud of the way we’ve responded in Dorset – this has involved people from across the NHS, local authorities and voluntary organisations. It’s a huge team effort.

“Thank you to everyone who’s come forward for their jab – as the Omicron variant is rapidly spreading now we all need to do everything we can to protect ourselves and each other. That includes wearing masks, letting in fresh air and testing regularly.”

Dr Andy Rutland, clinical lead for Dorset’s vaccination programme, added: “Even if you have a vaccination booking in January you can walk in now instead and be vaccinated earlier. Bookings for January are strong and centres are set to be busy after the festive break so get in early if you can.”

Both adults and children can take up the walk-in offer – children aged 12-15 can attend the three larger centres at King’s Park Hospital, Bournemouth, Sentinel House, Poole and Vespasian House, Dorchester. They must be accompanied by an adult who can give consent for them to vaccinated.

Parents can now book second vaccinations for children aged 12-15 who are eligible via the NHS national booking system.

The sites and dates where walk-ins are available are shown here: Vaccination sites in Dorset – NHS Dorset CCG. You can also see them on the national grab a jab website.