The leader of the Isle of Wight Council has welcomed news that the first delivery of COVID-19 vaccines will arrive on the Island today (Tuesday).
Islanders in priority groups including the over-80s will be invited to receive the life-saving vaccine at Carisbrooke Health Centre, which is among the first GP-led sites going live with vaccination clinics.
Council leader, Dave Stewart, said it was the news the Island had been waiting for.
He said:
"This is such a hugely positive step forward on the road to recovery from the impact of coronavirus for us all.
"The distribution of the vaccine in the community is being led by the NHS and we are doing all we can to support them in the biggest vaccination programme in its history.
"However, we all need to be aware that the number of vaccines will be limited to start with and the initial vaccination invitations will be going to people most at risk from coronavirus.
"We have a long way to go before larger stocks of vaccines are available to the public and that means we must continue to stick to the rules, wash our hands regularly, wear a mask where necessary and keep a two metre gap when possible, and also celebrate Christmas safely.
"The virus spreads quickly by close person to person contact and will continue infecting people until the majority of people have been vaccinated."
The NHS will contact people in the priority groups when it is their turn to receive the vaccine. People should not contact their surgeries, the vaccination service is available strictly by invitation only.
As the area is likely to be busy, motorists are being asked to use alternative routes to and from Newport and to avoid Carisbrooke High Street if possible.
People are also asked not to park on the highway unless in a designated parking space. There is a short stay car park nearby, opposite the Coop.
Isle Of Wight Libraries Celebrate World Book Night
Traffic Advice Issued For Walk The Wight
Hovertravel's Hoverbus Showcases All-New Look
Bear Grylls Pays Homage To Young Islander Ginny Following Ultimate Scouting Award
Southern Vectis To Open May Community Fund For Worthy Causes Across Isle Of Wight
Terrorism Plot Teen From Isle Of Wight Further Sentenced
Ryde's Waterside Pool Secures £254,000 Of Government Refurbishment Funding
Flood Warnings Eased But More 'Unsettled' Weather On The Way
Sculpture To Commemorate People Affected By Dementia
Police Appeal Launched Following East Cowes Waitrose Alcohol Theft
Unmanned Dinghy Towed To Safety By Cowes Lifeboat
Red Squirrel Property Shop Ventures Into Dubai Property Market
Isle Of Wight MP Bob Seely Announces Blueprint To Fund A3055 Improvements
New 2024/5 Annual Waste And Recycling Guide Out Soon
Platform One Announces Winner Of 2024 Wight Noize Competition
Royal Duke To Visit As Newport Minster Reopens
Isle Of Wight Council To Support 'No Mow May' 2024
English Coastal Path Complication Amid Osborne House Queen Victoria Collection Fears
Seaview Pub Picks Up National Award
Isle Of Wight Radio Child Of Wight Awards 2024 Nominations Now Open
