The NHS has confirmed that the coronavirus vaccine is now being administered at the Somer Centre in Midsomer Norton.

Vaccines started being given as part of the local clinical commissioning roll out on January 4.

More new sites are expected to open their doors to patients between now and Friday 15 January, with some now offering the newly-approved vaccine developed at Oxford University.

Areas of Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire that have seen a coronavirus vaccine site open this week include Midsomer along withj Trowbridge, Calne, Batheaston, Wilton, Tidworth, and Malmesbury.

Gill May, Director of Nursing and Quality, said: "The first few months of this new year is when we really expect to hit our stride in terms of vaccinating those who are most at risk of developing serious health complications after catching coronavirus.

"To know that more vaccination sites are opening up within the first two weeks of the year is remarkable, and a reflection of our overall ambition to offer the vaccine quickly and safely to as many people as possible.

"I know that many people, especially those over the age of 80, will be feeling anxious over not having yet received an invitation to be vaccinated, but please be patient and rest assured that we are working our way through the lists and no person will be

forgotten."

People expecting to receive a vaccine appointment letter are asked not to contact their local GP practice or hospital, and instead wait to be contacted by the NHS, which is allocating appointments based on the number of available vaccines.

In Swindon for example they are expecting that up to 9,000 doses of coronavirus vaccine will be delivered by the end of January.

When all of the new vaccination sites are up and running, Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire will have around 20 venues offering the vaccines to those who are eligible.

The CCG, along with other NHS organisations across the country, is inviting people to be vaccinated in order of priority need, which has been outlined by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.

People with questions about the local coronavirus vaccination programme are encouraged to send their queries via email to [email protected].

• The following community-based vaccine sites have been in operation since December:

- Steam Museum, Swindon

- Corn Exchange, Devizes

- Rowden Surgery, Chippenham

- Combe Down Surgery, near Bath

- The White Horse Health Centre, Westbury

- Ramsbury Surgery, Marlborough

- Spencer Sport and Social Club, Melksham

• The following community-based vaccine sites have opened during the week commencing 4 January:

- Wingfield Surgery, Trowbridge

- Michael Herbert Centre, Wilton

- Tidworth Leisure Centre, Tidworth

- Malmesbury Primary Care Centre, Malmesbury

- Batheaston Medical Centre, Batheaston

- Somer Centre, Midsomer Norton

- Northlands Surgery, Calne