THE Cranborne Practice has announced it will be starting the second phase of its Covid-19 vaccinations next week.

The practice, which covers the Cranborne and Verwood area and also includes Lake Road Surgery in Verwood, said on its social media page that it had made “good progress” with vaccinations for the over 80s age group and will start contacting residents in the 75 to 79 age group about vaccination appointments.

In an announcement on The Cranborne Practice Facebook page, it said: “Having made good progress with our vaccinations of the over 80 years age group, we are pleased to advise that, commencing next week, our staff will start contacting patients aged 75 through to 79 to advise them of Covid-19 vaccination appointment details.

“This is in line with the advice on the order of priority given by the Joint Committee on Vaccines and Immunisation (JCVI).”

Locally, the vaccine is being offered at a vaccination centre at St Leonards Hospital in Ferndown run by GPs in Verwood, West Moors, Ferndown and Wimborne.

The post from the practice also thanked patients for not calling to ask when to expect an appointment.

A letter from practice manager Jo Morris, which was posted on the Facebook page, said: "The approval of the Oxford/Astra-Zenaca vaccine provides a major boost to our plans to offer protection to our patients.

"The new guidance from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) on the period between doses means that we will be able to get the maximum benefit for the most people in the shortest possible time and will help save lives."

The letter also urged patients not to contact the surgery or the hospital to seek a vaccine and that they will be contacted in due course.