The Isle of Wight's newest Covid-19 vaccination hub is open today (Monday), at the Riverside Centre in Newport.

First to be vaccinated was Paul Carpenter, 71, from Ryde.

He said: “I was really keen to have my vaccine and it feels brilliant.

"I feel it’s a step closer to being able to see my grandchildren who live in London.”

Isle of Wight County Press:

Paul Carpenter gets his Covid-19 jab

The centre will be open for vaccination appointments for Islanders from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week and will boost the number of doses already being administered by GPs, and at Westridge in Ryde.

Vaccinations are being administered in line with the government's priority system.

You need an appointment to visit and there is a warning not to book one on the mainland, if the national booking system offers that as an option.

Instead, the Isle of Wight NHS Trust says we should keep checking until an Isle of Wight slot becomes available.

Meanwhile

It says:

  • Most Islanders will be invited by letter
  • You will book via the online national booking system
  • Or you can book via the 119 helpline
  • Bookings are staggered to allow social distancing.