RESIDENTS aged over 65 are being invited to book a slot to get their Covid-19 vaccine jab at Dorset's largest vaccination centre.

Now that most people in the top four priority groups have been offered their first jab, the mass vaccination facility at the BIC is moving on to the next age group.

The centre, based in the Purbeck Hall of the town centre venue, is being run by Dorset HealthCare.

It opened on January 18 and played a key part in vaccinating those aged over 70, people who are clinically extremely vulnerable and health and care staff, alongside a massive effort by hospital hubs and GPs working in their primary care networks.

Now it’s the turn of the over 65s. Anyone who has had a letter inviting them to be jabbed can book direct, using their NHS number, on the national booking system – nhs.uk/covid-vaccination – or by ringing 119 if they don’t have access to the internet. Calls are free, and the line is open from 7am-11pm, seven days a week.

Once booked, residents can find out all they need to know about attending the BIC facility by going to dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/covid-19-vaccination-service.

Kate Harvey, Dorset HealthCare service director, said: “Our large vaccination centre is part of a coordinated effort across health and care in Dorset to offer vaccinations in a range of ways and settings.

“The hard work and dedication of our staff has been incredible, with fantastic enthusiasm and support from local people – feedback shows a 97 per cent satisfaction rate from those who’ve had a vaccination at the BIC.

“We’re very much looking forward to welcoming our over-65s to the centre, with staff and volunteers from Community Action Network doing all they can to make it a positive experience.”

Dr Karen Kirkham, local Dorset GP, and clinical lead for the Dorset Covid-19 vaccination programme, said: “We’ve made a really strong start in Dorset with a huge collective effort across health and care to vaccinate the first four priority groups of local people. More than 201,000 doses have been given so far, with 92 per cent of people aged over 80 to receiving at least one dose.

“Thank you to everyone who has played a part in the vaccination programme for Dorset – we are very proud of the way everyone has pulled together and is making a real difference for local people.”

People are being vaccinated in the priority order set out by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation to ensure those most at risk are vaccinated first.

If residents prefer not to travel to the Bournemouth vaccination centre, they can speak with their GP about arranging their jab more locally.