MORE than 20 sites across Dorset are now delivering the Covid-19 vaccine. The BIC started delivering the Oxford-AstraZeneca jab on Monday and will aim to vaccinate 9,000 a week at capacity. It is the only large vaccination centre in the county, with the other centres made up of three hospital hubs and 17 GP-led services through primary care networks. Patients will be contacted when it is their turn to be vaccinated when they will be able to book an appointment. Retired postman and Parcelforce manager Brian Keeling, 85, of Wallisdown, received his first jab at the BIC on Monday. He said: “There have been absolutely no problems getting vaccinated.
The three new sites are the Sturminster Newton Medical Centre, The Digby Hall and the Whitecliff Surgery. Sites have been developed by primary care networks (groups of local GP practices) who have worked together to develop detailed plans to deliver Covid-19 vaccinations in their wider community locations. Primary care networks have been working round the clock to rapidly to redesign their sites and put in place safe processes to deliver vaccines. Dr Simone Yule, a GP and Clinical Director for the Blackmore Vale partnership, said “I am delighted and relieved that we can start the new year with such good news for people in north Dorset and am delighted that we can begin to offer those who are most at risk their vaccination to protect against Covid-19.