Salisbury Cathedral will open its doors as a vaccination centre today (January 16), marking the start of the much anticipated vaccine rollout in the city.

Patients aged 80 and above have been invited to the iconic venue, chosen to act as a hub for the Sarum South Primary Care Network, to receive the first dose of the Covid jab.

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Salisbury Medical Practice, Harcourt Medical Centre, Three Chequers Medical Practice, Downton Surgery and Whiteparish Surgery have invited patients from the over 80s priority group to attend.

Only those that have been invited by the NHS should make their way to the Cathedral, only five minutes before their appointment time. 

Patients not invited should wait to be contacted by the NHS.

David Halls, Director of Music at Salisbury Cathedral, and John Challenger, Assistant Director of Music, will be providing a programme of music throughout the day on the famous Father Willis organ.

Dr Dan Henderson Co-Clinical Director for Sarum South Primary Care Network said: "It’s great to be further expanding the COVID-19 vaccination programme in Wiltshire. 

"Today marks another step towards getting our lives back to normal. 

"I understand that people are keen to get their jabs but please don’t call your doctor or the hospital asking about when you will get an appointment, we are following the priority order set out by the independent Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation and the NHS will be in touch when it is your turn to be vaccinated. 

"The huge vaccine programme is a marathon not a sprint but we will get to everyone."

The Very Revd Nicholas Papadopulos, Dean of Salisbury, said: "We are proud to be playing our part in the life-saving vaccination programme, which offers real hope in these difficult times.

"The staff of our local NHS and their patients  will receive a warm welcome to their Cathedral, and we assure them of our constant prayer."