VOLUNTEERS are needed to help speed up the coronavirus vaccination programme in Dorset.

Charities have launched a call for action to recruit hundreds of marshals to help people attending Covid-19 vaccination appointments.

Marshals will provide reassurance and encourage social distancing in a bid to allow health professionals to get on with the vital vaccinations.

More than 300 people have already offered their services but hundreds more will be needed over the next few months.

The recruitment drive is being organised by local organisations Community Action Network(CAN) and Volunteer Centre Dorset.

CAN Chief Executive Karen Loftus said: "It has been a horrendous year but we can see a light at the end of the tunnel.

"This is a call for action and a way in which people can get involved and actually do something positive.

"Some people will feel apprehensive about the vaccine and we want to offer a friendly face."

Organisers are particularly keen to hear from those who can help in the Bournemouth area.

Marshals will be able to welcome people to sites and escort them to vaccination points.

Travel expenses will be paid and PPE will be provided.

The charity is asking people for a minimum commitment of 24 hours, spread over the next three months. Shifts will be available seven days a week between 8am and 8pm.

Anyone over the age of 16 can register their interest at can100.org Volunteering Hub.

Once registered CAN will be in touch with start dates and details of the short mandatory Zoom training/welcome session, after which people will be able to book to volunteer when it’s convenient for them.

Vaccination is already under way in GP surgeries across Dorset but the numbers are set to dramatically increase following the approval of the latest vaccine from Oxford University and AstraZeneca.

The jab was given the green light by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency and the UK has ordered 100 million doses – enough to vaccinate 50 million people.

Data published in The Lancet medical journal in early December set out full results from clinical trials of more than 20,000 people.

Among the people given a placebo drug, 10 were admitted to hospital with coronavirus, including two with severe Covid which resulted in one death.

But among those receiving the vaccine, there were no hospital admissions or severe cases.

The half dose followed by a full dose regime came about as a result of an accidental dosing error.

However, the MHRA was made aware of what happened and clinical trials for the vaccine were allowed to continue.