A VACCINATION hub is preparing to open at St Mary's Hospital.

As previously reported by the County Press, from Monday, hub will be welcoming people aged 18 and over for their first, second and booster Covid-19 vaccines.

The hub will join the network of local vaccination centres and clinics that are already in operation on the Isle of Wight.

Members of the public can book an appointment through the national booking system.

The hospital's vaccination clinic, for the Pfizer vaccine only, will take place five days a week, Sunday to Thursday.

Kay Marriott, clinical lead for the vaccination hub, said: “We are incredibly proud to have been asked to support the delivery of the Covid-19 vaccination programme across the Island.

“January 7 was the one-year anniversary of opening the hospital vaccination hub to protect NHS staff and essential key workers.

"We are now delighted to open our doors to the public and join the Riverside Centre and GP-led clinics in offering vaccinations.

“The centre at St Mary’s Hospital will mean there are more opportunities for people to be able to get vaccinated which is really good news.”

Dr Matt Nisbet, GP and clinical lead of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Covid-19 vaccination programme, said: “Health and care teams have done an amazing job in expanding vaccination capacity in recent weeks to meet the challenge of the Omicron variant.

“Now it’s your turn to do your bit to protect yourself and others by attending a walk-in or booking an appointment to get your jab.

"Please don’t put this off. The sooner you get a booster, the sooner you’ll increase your protection against the virus.”

The St Mary's hub has given more than 25,000 vaccinations to essential key workers as well as running the NHS staff flu vaccination programme.

To book an appointment visit the National Booking System website or call 119.