Coronavirus latest: Second vaccination centre opens in Bedford today

The second centre run by family doctors and their teams opened today in the Guru Nanak Gurdwara Temple in Ford End Road.

Health workers have transformed the centre to ensure there is plenty of room for social distancing when waiting, as well as a recovery area, where people will be monitored for 15 minutes after the vaccination.

The new centre's opening means that both of the Primary Care Networks (PCN) in Bedford have taken delivery of the vaccine and they will start to deliver it to registered patients over 80.

Dr Sarah Whiteman, medical director of Beds, Luton and MK clinical commissioning groups, said: “Delivery of the biggest ever NHS vaccination programme has been a huge undertaking, so I am thrilled that we can now say we are administering vaccines to the Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes footprint that we cover.

“I can appreciate that local people will be keen to get their jab as soon as possible, but we would ask that patients do not contact their practices at this time.

“GPs are working through their lists and making appointments according to the criteria provided by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.”

Cllr Louise Jackson, portfolio holder for health, added: “I am delighted that the vaccination programme is expanding in the borough.

"Getting all the eligible people vaccinated will be a marathon, not a sprint.

“It will take time to deliver the vaccine to so many people, so in the meantime I ask everyone to observe the lockdown rules and remember hands, face, space.”