TENS of thousands of residents have now had their first Covid-19 vaccine dose in a Hampshire borough.

A total of 36,785 people in Eastleigh had received their first vaccination as of February 21 with 21 million vaccines given out across the country.

Over 60, 55, and 50 year olds have now started to be invited for their jabs as the government aims to offer everyone in the top nine priority groups a vaccine by April 15.

Whilst the vaccine rollout continues and the government roadmap is set to begin on March 8, Eastleigh Borough Council has reminded its residents and businesses to continue to follow restrictions at each stage.

NHS Worker, Eira from Boyatt Wood recently had her first Covid jab at Eastleigh Health Centre under priority group six due to underlying health conditions.

She said: “In, jabbed and out in under 3 minutes, can't say better than that! Feeling extremely grateful for our wonderful NHS, all smiles everywhere from start to finish and one step closer to getting my life back.”

Mr Pun, age 72, from Eastleigh town centre and Mrs Pun, age 70 from Grantham Green, are both part of the Borough’s Nepalese community.

Both attended their Covid jabs at Eastleigh Health Centre and both said their experience was "fine" and it "didn’t hurt".

Mr Pun, an ex-soldier said: “such a jab was not even noticeable compared to those received in his time in the Forces.”

He hopes that his example will encourage all others to have their vaccination.