More than a thousand people a day are now being given their first Coronavirus jab at the large public vaccination centre at Bath Racecourse.

The centre has doubled its 500-plus capacity of people from eligible age groups in the local community. It has also doubled its number of vaccination staff, increased its numbers of car parking marshals and volunteers and opened a second vaccination pod to help cope with demand.

Vaccine Centre Operations Director, Heather Cooper, said: “It’s a really significant day – as significant as the first day we opened. Five hundred people a day is a lot, but to double that and to double staff numbers is really impressive. It’s all been very positive and the feedback from public and staff has been great.”

The vaccine centre is currently offering appointments to people in the 55+ age group, and is ready to see those in the next group, the fifty-year-olds and over, once they are invited. People are asked not to turn up at Bath Racecourse without an appointment as the vaccination staff will be unable to give the jab to anyone without a pre-arranged vaccine slot. The Centre has had to reschedule a number of appointments in April, May and June and has apologised for any inconvenience. Appointments have been cancelled on 6th and 16th April; 3rd, 12th and 21st May, and 4th, 12th, 23rd and 30th June.

If you have been notified that your appointment has been cancelled, please make sure you re-book your appointment as soon as possible at: nhs.uk/covid-vaccination or call 119.