THE Port of Poole is playing its part in the battle to vaccinate the county against Covid-19.

This week, as part of the latest phase of the NHS vaccine rollout, the port joins the 15 existing vaccination sites across the county.

It is hosting a GP-led site to vaccinate Dorset's most vulnerable residents.

And this isn't the first time the port has been used on the vaccination frontline.

Dave Laut, safety and security manager at the Port of Poole, said “Last year the port helped to facilitate a drive-thru flu vaccination service which saw some 4,000 local people successfully vaccinated in time for flu season.

"We’re incredibly proud that off the back of this success our facilities have once again been selected to play such a vital role in helping the NHS deliver vaccinations to our local community.”

GP-led sites have been developed by primary care networks, which are groups of local GP practices working closely together to deliver Covid-19 vaccinations in wider community locations.

Local health officials say that people who have been identified nationally by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) as the highest priority will be invited first – in particular residents aged 80 and above.

Dr David Broadley, who is a GP at Rosemary Medical Centre and the clinical director of the Poole Central Primary Care Network, said “The rollout of the Covid-19 vaccination programme is one of the most important and largest challenges the NHS has undertaken and it has seen everyone involved put in an extraordinary amount of effort over the past weeks and months.

"We will be offering the vaccination here at Poole Port in line with the national guidance and I would encourage everyone invited to take up the offer and get themselves protected."

Meanwhile, a new walk-through coronavirus testing facility has also opened for those with symptoms to book appointments at Two Riversmeet Leisure Centre Car Park East, Christchurch.

Testing at this site is only available for those with coronavirus symptoms, and can be booked via nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119.

The new site has been selected, health officials say, so it is easily accessible without a car.

Sam Crowe, director of public health for Dorset and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole councils, said “We’re pleased to see the vaccination programme continuing to expand and being offered from more sites across Dorset.

"However, we are in the early stages of the vaccine rollout, and the recent announcement of another national lockdown should serve as a reminder to everyone that we are still in a very serious situation.

"Whilst the vaccine offers us some hope of a return to a more normal way of life, the rise in case rates across Dorset and BCP council areas is extremely concerning.

"We must all stay at home unless absolutely necessary to stop the spread, protect the NHS and save lives.”