CARISBROOKE Health Centre has been revealed to be the first GP-led site on the Isle of Wight going live with the vaccine.

The centre is getting ready to start vaccinating patients this week, as the roll out of the biggest vaccination programme in NHS history moves into the next phase.

Practices serving patients across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight will be taking delivery of the vaccine today (Tuesday), with some kicking off their clinics this afternoon and the others starting clinics tomorrow.

Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely says we will see several vaccination centres appearing across the Island over the next ten days to ensure people can get vaccinated as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Practices are working together to set up local vaccination centres in surgeries, community centres, and even a hotel.

Nurses, paramedics, pharmacists and other NHS staff will work alongside GPs to vaccinate those aged 80 and over, as well as care home workers and residents, identified as priority groups for the life-saving vaccine.

Like the hospital staff who launched the world-leading campaign last week, practice teams are working rapidly to organise the sites so that safe processes are in place to meet the tough logistical challenges of offering the vaccination.

The NHS will contact people in the priority groups when it is their turn to receive the vaccine.

Islanders should not contact their surgeries ­— the vaccination service is available strictly by invitation only.

Dr Michele Legg, GP and clinical chair of NHS Isle of Wight Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said: “We are very proud the Island will be part of the vaccine rollout.

"This is such a hugely positive step forward to help us protect our community from the impact of Coronavirus.

"The vaccine is safe, effective and our best protection against Covid-19.

“While this is an encouraging step, it doesn’t mean the impact of the virus is over.

"It is so important we keep doing all we can to protect ourselves and others by continuing to wash our hands, wear a face covering and make space when out and about.

“We want to ensure the vaccine is being offered first to those most at risk from the virus.

"We will contact you when it is your turn to have the vaccine. Please do bear with us and wait for us to contact you, so we can continue to support our patients.”

Alison Smith, managing director of NHS Isle of Wight CCG, said: “I would like to say a huge thank you to all GP practice teams, our colleagues at the council and hospital trust, and everyone else who have been working together around the clock to bring the vaccine to the Island."

The latest phase of the vaccine rollout is being co-ordinated by GP-led primary care networks with more practices and community pharmacies in other parts of England joining on a phased basis during December and in the coming months.

The community vaccination sites being set up this week build on the work of the scores of hospital hubs which have already started vaccinating.

Isle of Wight MP, Bob Seely, said: "I am very relieved that this is now beginning to happen. 
 
"We will see several vaccination centres appearing across the Island over the next ten days to ensure people can get vaccinated as quickly and efficiently as possible.

"I would stress that people should wait to be contacted rather than contacting their GP surgeries. 
 
“I would like to thank the Isle of Wight Council, NHS Trust and all those who have worked so hard behind the scenes on the Island to get us to this point. 
 
"I want also to thank in advance those who will be undertaking the mass vaccination programme. 
 
"This is an important moment for the Island and the country.  It is my hope that we will see most if not all Islanders vaccinated by the Spring.”