A BASINGSTOKE pharmacy is among 200 stores selected to begin administering Covid doses as the Government seeks to expand the vaccination programme.

The Superdrug store in Potters Walk will be able to deliver jabs by the end of this month, according to the health and beauty retailer.

Michael Henry, healthcare director at Superdrug, said plans were under way to open vaccination sites that operates 12 hours a day, seven days a week.

He said: “I believe it is critically important that everyone plays their part in supporting the national effort against Covid-19 and ensuring that we get the country and the economy back on track as soon as possible.”

Currently, Covid vaccines are given only at Hampshire Court Hotel, while Basingstoke fire station is also getting ready to be used as a vaccine hub.

The Government has already begun vaccine administration at six pharmacies in England. Its aim is to have vaccinated all people in the four most vulnerable groups by the middle of February.

Those who are eligible for a vaccine will be contacted and invited to make an appointment through a new national booking service.

This gives them the option of having a vaccine at a pharmacy or in a GP-led vaccination centre.

By the end of the month more than 200 community chemists with capacity for 1,000 doses a week will be able to give vaccines, according to NHS England.