THE Covid vaccination programme in Fordingbridge is “ahead of schedule”.

The vaccinations are being carried out by the Avon Valley Primary Care Network, which is made up of The Fordingbridge Surgery, Ringwood Medical Centre, Cornerways Medical Centre in Ringwood and Twin Oaks Surgery in Bransgore, at the Fordingbridge Hospital site.

The announcement about the progress was made on The Fordingbridge Surgery Facebook page. The post said: “We are delighted that the Avon Valley Primary Care Network Coronavirus Vaccine Programme at Fordingbridge Hospital is ahead of schedule to deliver the Covid Vaccine to patients over 70 by mid February.”

The rollout of the vaccine started in the town during the week of December 21.

The over 70s and patients in younger high risk groups are the latest to be invited to receive the vaccine in Fordingbridge.

Patients are asked not to call their surgeries about the vaccination and wait to be contacted.

For more information about the Covid vaccinations go fordingbridgegps.co.uk/covid-19-vaccination-faqs

Hampshire County Council and the NHS are reminding residents who have received their vaccine that it is vital to keep following the rules of “hands, face, space”.

Councillor Judith Grajewski, Hampshire County Council’s executive member for public health said: "The Covid-19 vaccine is a big breakthrough and a key tool in our fight against this serious and highly infectious disease. I know how keen everyone is to get their jab and get back to normal, but for those who have received their first dose, it can take a week or two to build up some protection from the virus, and it is not yet known whether people who have had the vaccine can still transmit Covid-19.

"Therefore, it’s vital to continue following the rules after being vaccinated, to ensure that you don’t unknowingly pass on the virus to anybody else. This is particularly important if you are caring for or seeing someone who is clinically vulnerable because you could be putting them at risk of severe illness or even death.”

Dr Barbara Rushton, Clinical Chair South Eastern Hampshire, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Partnership of Clinical Commissioning Groups, added: “The Covid-19 vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect yourself and your loved ones. The vaccination programme is continuing to roll out over the weeks and months ahead, with more and more people benefitting.

"The vaccine is being offered to those in the priority groups first before being rolled out to the rest of the population and you will be contacted when it is your turn to receive the vaccine, either by your GP practice or the national booking service, and advised how to book an appointment. However, it will take time to vaccinate everyone, so in the meantime please continue to follow Government guidance to protect the NHS and save lives.”

Hampshire County Council says there has been a "steady decrease" in the number of positive cases in Hampshire but that the number in hospital remain high. 

Figures that were last updated yesterday (February 1) showed there were a total of 55,129 cases compared to 52,077 last week. 

There have been 3,052 cases in the last seven days, which is down from 4,714 last week. 

The case rate in Hampshire in the last seven days (per 100k population) is 251.5.