THE Covid vaccination programme is now well underway on the Isle of Wight with scores of residents receiving their first dose.

While it’s encouraging patients are starting to get vaccinated, the NHS is reminding people they still need to follow national rules on Hands, Face, Space, and not to get complacent.

Dr Michele Legg, GP and chair of NHS Isle of Wight Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “The rollout of the vaccine is a great weapon in our (fight against) Covid-19, but we must not get complacent and ignore government guidelines.

“We must continue to wash our hands regularly for 20 seconds, wear a face covering outdoors and maintain social distancing.

“If we stick to these rules then we will all come out of the other side stronger, better and able to hug our loved ones as much as we want.”

The prioritisation order of vaccinations being delivered have been set nationally by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).

Isle of Wight County Press: The Riverside vaccine centreThe Riverside vaccine centre

Who the vaccine is being administered to first...

  • people aged 80.
  • people who live or work in care homes.
  • health care workers.
  • people in England aged 70 and over, as well as those listed as clinically extremely vulnerable.

Although people in England aged 70 and above, as well as those listed as clinically extremely vulnerable, will begin receiving offers of a coronavirus vaccine this week, the focus still remains to vaccinate those aged over 80 first.

The NHS will get in contact with you to offer an appointment. Please do not contact your GP practice in the meantime.

If you miss your appointment, you will be offered a new one as soon as vaccine and an appointment slot becomes available.

If you are over 80, this does not mean you have to wait until over 70s have been vaccinated, you are still a priority.