Search for new Bournemouth vaccination hub

The vaccination hub at the Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) is to close this autumn.

No date has yet been set but NHS bosses have confirmed they're looking for new locations.

The hub's given more than 124,000 jabs since it opened in January.

A spokesman for the Dorset vaccination programme said: “With the first phases of the vaccination programme nearing completion we are now planning how we deliver the next phase.

"The BIC has been a fantastic venue for the high volume of people we needed to vaccinate quickly but it was always a fixed term arrangement. We are now scoping out the venues we will need as we go into the autumn and prepare for phase three of the programme.

"We will continue to deliver vaccinations in a range of ways, including at primary care networks (GPs) and community pharmacies as well as specific vaccination centres.

“The Bournemouth vaccination centre has given more than 124,000 vaccinations since it opened in January and offers both booked and walk-in appointments, most recently for 16-17 year-olds.

"Around 600 staff have worked at the centre over that time with around 1000 volunteers supporting them.

"Around 98% of those who have responded to a survey about having their vaccination there say they had a positive experience.

"The area used for the centre is clearly separated from the rest of the venue so this has not caused any issues since other events have resumed.”