Newbury Racecourse coronavirus vaccination centre offers advice to people expecting their second dose

The Covid-19 vaccination hub at Newbury Racecourse has advised people expecting their second coronavirus vaccine that their appointments may be brought forward.

The hub has vaccinated more than 35,000 people since it opened in January and began administering second jabs this month.

However, some residents have asked why their second jab, scheduled for 12 weeks after the first, has now been brought forward.

The hub, run by GPs from nine West Berkshire surgeries, said in a social media post: "When we first opened in January, most surgeries booked patients in for the exact same time 12 weeks ahead for their second dose.

"This was based on the guidance that had just been published by the government that second doses at 12 weeks was optimal for the roll out of the vaccination programme. It was also based on our best assumption on the delivery schedule for three months time.

"We are now finding that the vaccine deliveries are arriving in the 11th week after the first dose and this is because it gives us a week's contingency in case anyone can't take up their appointment for whatever reason.

"While it is very useful for us to have a little breathing space, it does mean that we have to bring forward appointments which has understandably caused a lot of confusion and a lot of effort for our admin teams at the practices.

"We apologise for any confusion and inconvenience caused. Hopefully you don't mind that we're bringing your appointment forward a week or so. If you can, please spare a thought for our admin teams who have been working so hard throughout to get patients booked in and still have quite a task on their hands!"