THREE more GP surgeries have started to vaccinate Bournemouth's most vulnerable residents for Covid-19.

St Albans Medical Centre, Beaufort Road Practice and Westbourne Medical Centre add to the six sites already vaccinating in Dorset.

The NHS says primary care networks, such as GP surgeries and health centres, have been "working rapidly" to redesign their sites in order to meet the logistical challenges of offering the vaccine.

Dr Ashley Savage, local GP and clinical director of Bournemouth East Collaborative Network, said “The last couple of weeks have seen thousands of people across Dorset receive their first vaccination against Covid-19 and this is another really positive step in the development of our vaccination programme.

"I would personally like to acknowledge that phenomenal efforts of all our GP practice teams and health and care colleagues who have been working tirelessly to set up and run these local vaccination sites.”

Residents identified nationally by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) as the highest priority, including people aged 80 or more, will be invited to get the vaccine first.

The latest trio of centre offering the vaccine still only represent the second wave of the initial phase of the rollout.

Further sites will be announced soon, health chiefs say, and residents are being urged to not contact GP surgeries or hospitals. The NHS will contact you when it is your turn.

Meanwhile, as a neighbouring Hampshire and the New Forest were put in higher tiers on Boxing Day, doctors are asking residents to reduce their risk of catching the virus by sticking to the national guidance.

Dr Nicky Cleave, assistant director of public health at Public Health Dorset, said: “It is great news that more GP-led sites are beginning to vaccinate people against Covid-19, and we would like to thank everyone involved in getting the vaccination programme underway in Dorset.

“It is important to remember we’re still at an early stage in this process, and it will take time for this to have an effect on the local and national situation.

"Two doses of the vaccine are needed to offer protection, and whilst it’s fantastic that thousands of people have already received their first vaccination, the majority of people won’t be vaccinated until next year.

“We’d like to remind everyone that for now it’s really important that we continue to follow all of the public health measures to protect our loved ones and our wider community.

"Please self-isolate with your household and book a test if you notice any symptoms of Covid-19, maintain a safe distance from others, wear a face covering where required and wash your hands frequently.”

We know that people are very keen to find out about our developing Covid-19 vaccination programme in Dorset and we will share more updates as information becomes available.