TWO pharmacies in Somerset are set to start delivering the coronavirus vaccine today (January 21).

Locking Pharmacy in Weston-super-Mare is delivering the vaccinations from The Radio Wing on McCrae Road.

This is because there is not enough space inside the pharmacy, and delivering it off site will ensure social distancing can take place.

And Superdrug, Broadmead, in Bristol is also starting to administer the jabs today.

More High Street pharmacies are set to join in the programme throughout January, and it is hoped 200 sites will be offering the vaccine nationally by the end of the month.

"It’s great to see the first community pharmacies in the South West delivering these life-saving vaccinations, bringing the vaccine out to more places in local communities, making the vaccine more accessible," said NHS England and NHS Improvement South West chief pharmacist, Stephen Brown.

“Pharmacies who have worked incredibly hard throughout the pandemic will now play a vital role in delivering the vaccination, supporting the national drive to protect the nation from the virus.

“Pharmacies are well-versed in supporting NHS immunisation programmes and will build on their expertise of providing a safe, efficient service as they do with the flu vaccine every year.”

Other sites that will be offering the vaccine in the South West today include:

  • Wallisdown Pharmacy, Wallisdown Road, Poole.
  • Boots Pharmacy, Eastgate Street, Gloucester.
  • The Grove Pharmacy, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch
  • Arnolds Pharmacy in Westward Ho, Devon. Delivering vaccines from January 23 from Westward Ho! Baptist Church, Nelson Drive.

    Those who are invited to make an appointment to receive the vaccine will be given the choice between a vaccination centre or a pharmacy service.