Covid-19 vaccinations begin in Larkhill
It's become the fourth community vaccine centre in South Wiltshire
Last updated 19th Jan 2021
On Saturday (16th January) Avon Valley Practice and Sarum Health Group began administering Covid-19 vaccinations to some patients.
The jabs took place at the Salisbury Plain Health Centre in Larkhill with the over 80s being prioritised.
General Walter Courage was one of those to have the injection and he is calling on people to get theirs done when possible:
"If you are offered the vaccination it is your duty and responsibility to get it. We need to get people back to work and if you don't have it you are making it worse for everyone."
It follows on from centres being set up in Wilton, Tidworth and at Salisbury Cathedral.
Dr Chet Sheth, GP Partner at Sarum Health Group, said:
"This is the biggest advancement in medicine that we've had for many years. The virus is killing so many people it is an amazing feat to have developed a vaccine that can prevent so much harm.
It is rewarding to see patient's faces - no matter how busy we are, this is a reward for us as healthcare professionals as much as for the patients.
The volunteers have been brilliant and I can't thank them enough for helping us make this vaccination clinic happen.
I want to assure people that your GP practice is a safe place to come to - you can be confident if you get called for your vaccination, do come in."
A number of volunteers helped out to make the process run smoothly, including Tim Turnbull who set up the Upavon and Rushall village buddy scheme last year in response to the pandemic.
Tim added:
"I'm delighted to do something in a small way to help - help is needed in local communities and people are just pulling together to get things done."