DOCTORS have moved to reassure thousands of patients ahead of their coronavirus vaccinations.

The Adam Practice in Poole is one of the biggest GP groups in the area and hopes to start vaccinating patients next week.

In a message to patients a spokesman stressed the vaccines have met strict safety standards and added: "Any coronavirus vaccine that is approved must go through all the clinical trials and safety checks all other licensed medicines go through.

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"So far, thousands of people have been given a Covid-19 vaccine and reports of serious side effects, such as allergic reactions, have been very rare. No long-term complications have been reported."

The Adam Practice includes Hamworthy Surgery in Blandford Road, Poole Surgery in Longfleet Road, Upton Surgery at Upton Cross and the Heath Cottage Surgery in Lytchett Matravers.

Eligible patients will be notified when surgeries receive confirmation of delivery dates and the over 80s will be first on the list. Public Health England guidance will be followed as to which order people will be vaccinated in.

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Patients do not need to contact the surgeries.

The spokesman added: "The speed of vaccination will depend on vaccine delivery quantities and number of patients per group. Therefore please wait until you are contacted by the practice."