THREE Dorset GP surgeries and practices have successfully vaccinated a large percentage of their patients against Covid-19. 

The Cranborne Practice, Wareham Surgery and The Blandford Practice Group have released their latest vaccination figures.

At The Cranborne Practice, 97.5 per cent of their 2,600 patients in the top five priority groups have either received their first vaccination or are booked to have the vaccine in the next week.

All housebound patients and patients in nursing homes have also been vaccinated by the practice, along with all patients who are Health or Social Care workers.

The practice has also started to contact patients in the priority six group (which includes individuals aged 16 to 64 years with underlying health conditions) to offer appointments for a Covid-19 vaccination at St Leonards.

Patients in this group will receive a text from LakeRoadGP.

Wareham Surgery has vaccinated 93.8 per cent of patients aged 80 plus, 83.5 per cent of those aged between 75 and 79 and 74.8 per cent of patients aged 70 to 74.

The surgery has also vaccinated 79.7 per cent of extremely vulnerable patients.

In a post on Facebook, Wareham Surgery said: "We want to congratulate the team working over at the Covid-19 vaccination clinics for their monumental efforts and give a very special thank you to the fantastic team of volunteers. 

"What a wonderful example of generous community spirit they are all showing, particularly in the extreme weather conditions we have experienced."

The surgery has invited all over 70s to have a Covid-19 vaccination.

If you are in this age group, registered at this practice and have not received your invitation, email: wareham.surgery@nhs.net.

The surgery is also "well on its way" to reaching the next target of inviting over 65s to have the vaccine.

At the Blandford Group Practice, 5,923 patients have been vaccinated.

This includes 98.8 per cent of patients aged over 80 and 96.9 per cent of its patients in care homes.

If you are over 70, or know anyone over 70 who has not yet had their vaccine, contact the surgey to get booked in.