More people invited to come forward and book their COVID-19 vaccination

Solent NHS Trust, who provide COVID-19 vaccines at the four large-scale vaccination centres across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, are encouraging people aged 65 and over, those recently added to the government’s shielding list and adult carers in receipt of a carers allowance to go online and book their vaccination, or call 119.

This week letters will also be going out to local people who are aged 64 inviting them to book.

The four large scale vaccination centres have good appointment availability and are spread across the area at:

• Basingstoke Fire Station
• St James’ Hospital in Portsmouth
• The Riverside Centre in Newport on the Isle of Wight
• Oakley Road in Millbrook, Southampton

David Noyes, Chief Operating Officer at Solent NHS Trust, said: “We are really proud to be playing a key role in the NHS’s biggest ever vaccination programme. It has been fantastic to see the positive reactions of people as they receive their first doses.”

David Noyes continued: “We know that the vaccination is a real way out of this pandemic. We are encouraging eligible people to book their vaccination online using the national booking system, or to call 119 if they are unable to use the internet.

“Anyone aged 65 to 69 who has not yet been vaccinated is now being urged to respond to their recent invite to get their life saving coronavirus vaccine.

“People who have been added to the government’s shielding list and people in receipt of carers allowance can now book an appointment. They do not need to wait for a letter.

“We have appointments available and you can choose the centre which best suits you.”

People need an appointment to get their vaccine – they cannot just walk in without an appointment. Appointments are released regularly and there are good levels of availability, usually within a day or so, at each of the centres.  More slots are released every couple of days, so people should keep checking back.

If people have already been given an appointment by their local GP-led service, they should attend that and not book another through the national service.  If people would prefer to be vaccinated by their local (GP) vaccination service, they can wait to be called by their surgery.

Vaccinations are being offered to people in line with recommendations from the independent JCVI.