Thousands of coronavirus vaccinations given to patients at GP surgeries' mass clinics across Northamptonshire

GP surgeries around Northamptonshire have administered thousands of coronavirus vaccines in mass clinics over the past few days.

The approval of the more plentiful and easily stored Oxford-AstraZeneca jab means doctors surgeries have been able to immunise a lot more vulnerable people and key workers.

St Luke's Primary Care Centre in Duston wrote on Facebook: "We have had another successful weekend administering over 1,000 vaccinations at the Covid Hub at Kings Heath.

"A big thank you to all the staff from across the community hub-blue PCN (primary care network) surgeries, who worked over the weekend and to all of our lovely patients who helped make the weekend run smoothly.

"Just a reminder that the surgery will contact patients when it's their time to be vaccinated."

Greens Norton and Weedon Medical Practice wrote on its website that nearly 4,000 vaccinations have been given so far with capacity to immunise 3,000 people a week.

Nearly all of those over 80, all care home staff and residents in its area have been vaccinated while those aged 75 to 80 are the next group to receive the jab, the post added.

David Ashton, the pharmacy superintendent at Abington Pharmacy in Northampton, volunteered to administer coronavirus vaccines at Abington Park Surgery this weekend.

He said the clinic was well-organised with appointments running to schedule and clear safe areas for people to sit in before and after having the jab.

Wootton Medical Centre explained how the vaccination clinic would work at Grange Park Surgery on its Facebook page.

Patients should attend alone where possible to save space and not arrive early as they would have to wait outside the practice - anyone with Covid-19 symptoms should not attend their appointment.

Loose-fitted clothing is recommended to make it easier to access patients' upper arm to help the process run more smoothly as well as a face mask.

After the vaccination, patients will be asked to wait for 15 minutes in a separate marquee for observation.

"Thank you for you help and support and patience as we begin to deliver this vast programme," the post added.