Bournemouth’s large vaccination centre currently has capacity to run other vaccinations for schoolchildren alongside its Covid-19 vaccine appointments.

The bespoke facilities will be used by Dorset HealthCare’s School Age Immunisation Team (SAIS) to catch up on HPV (Human Papillovirus) immunisations that were delayed last year due to the pandemic and school closures.

Service director for Children, Young People and Families at Dorset HealthCare, Kate Harvey, said, “It makes perfect sense to use this facility, which is specifically set up for vaccinations, to help us deliver school immunisations in periods where it is not fully booked for Covid-19 vaccinations. It’s wonderful to know that multiple generations will be able to receive a vaccination of one type or another at the centre.”

Specific schools have been contacted to offer parents appointments for their children at the BIC, giving flexibility on when and where they can have their vaccination and an opportunity to book in before schools return on Monday 8 March.

The clinics will run at the centre on Sunday 7 March. You should not attend the centre unless you have an appointment. Those eligible for Covid-19 vaccinations, including everyone over 60, can still book through the National Booking System or following invitation by their local GP.