A SERIES of walk-in Covid vaccine sessions for university students in Bournemouth have been scrapped after an "overwhelming" turnout.

Hundreds of students from across Bournemouth University, Arts University Bournemouth and AECC queued at the BIC this morning to get a jab.

This was after the universities invited students to attend the mass vaccination centre to make use of "spare capacity".

However, after a long queue formed even before the facility opened, students were told not to travel to the BIC and to try another day.

Now the universities have confirmed the daily sessions, which were due to run until Monday, May 24, have been withdrawn until further notice.

A spokeswoman for Bournemouth University said: "We were delighted to be offered the exceptional opportunity of walk-in slots for Bournemouth University, Arts University Bournemouth and AECC students at the BIC, to complement the vaccine rollout for the nationally-identified priority groups.

"While we encouraged priority groups to attend, we were advised that all students over the age of 18 were able to take advantage of this opportunity and to continue to play their part in keeping Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch safe. It is heartening to see that there was such a high demand.

"However, so as not to disrupt the planned vaccination programme for the local community, we agree with their decision that this offer should be withdrawn until further notice.

"We look forward to working with Dorset Healthcare University NHS Foundation Trust around an enhanced process for future student vaccinations soon."

Earlier today, Dorset HealthCare NHS Trust, which is overseeing the county's vaccine rollout, said the student turnout had been "overwhelming".

A trust spokesman said it was agreed to offer "students in priority groups" the chance to get a vaccination, however, a statement on Bournemouth University's website on May 18 said it was available to all aged over 18.

"We’ve had an overwhelming response to this today with a large number of students attending for their jab," said the trust spokesman.

"While we’re delighted to be able to vaccinate this many people, this has inevitably caused a considerable queue, which we are managing on site for everyone’s safety.

"Meanwhile anyone in the eligible cohorts who has booked for this week will be expedited through the queue and there are also plenty of slots for them to book next week.”

Read more about the student vaccine offer at the BIC