A NEW Covid vaccination centre has opened at Tidworth Leisure Centre on Friday.

Residents aged over 80 in Tidworth area were the first to get the vaccine.

Among the first to get vaccinated was Barbara Francis, 88, who said afterward: “I couldn’t sleep last night (Thursday) because I was overthinking it, but now I feel great and can’t wait until my daughter gets it”.

Elaine Winifred Sainsbury, 82, also got the jab, said: “I feel fine, it didn’t hurt!”

Margery Adey, from Shipton Bellinger, 90, said: “It’s really important to get the vaccine, I would tell everyone not to be silly and just to get on and get it when its offered.”

Dr Toby Davies, GP at Castle Practice and Clinical Lead for Tidworth PCN Vaccination site, said: “This is the day we have all been waiting for.  It is fantastic to see so many people getting vaccinated.  This has been a huge logistical effort and the whole team have been brilliant.

“It’s great that people are keen to get vaccinated. But could everyone please remember not to phone your GP or hospital as the NHS will contact you when it’s your turn to be invited for a jab. When contacted, I encourage everyone to accept, but please only come to the sites 5 minutes before your appointment.”