Vaccination clinic at Bridport Medical Centre

It comes after the supply of the AstraZeneca vaccine was increased.

The team now hope to vaccinate hundreds of people regularly twice a week, delivery of vaccine allowing. Earlier in the week it said it wanted to vaccinate between 1,500-2,000 people each day.

The centre says the large volume of vaccinations poses a 'huge logistical challenge' both within the medical centre but also with car parking at the centre and traffic in the surrounding roads.

It appears to be working well so far thanks to plans that have been put in place.

Traffic in West Allington this morning Picture: Michael Taylor

This clinic is for patients with a confirmed appointment only. The team say if you have not yet received an invitation, do not worry - they will be in contact to offer you an appointment.

People attending are advised to plan ahead.

Those attending should arrive no earlier than five minutes prior to their appointment time.

From previous clinics, staff have found the main reason for the queue building up outside was early arrivals and they do not want people standing outside in cold, damp conditions for any longer than necessary or putting pressure on maintaining social distancing.

Parking on site will be strictly limited to those with severe mobility issues who would not otherwise be able to get to the centre.

Those attending for vaccination should use the public car parks in and around the town centre and make the 5 to 10-minute walk to the centre; this should minimise traffic around the medical centre.

Scene outside medical centre this morning   Picture: Michael Taylor

Dorset Council have allocated additional car parking space for those attending for a Covid vaccination at Plotinghams and West Street car parks.

There will be no charge for patients attending the centre for vaccination. Marshals will be available to direct walkers to the centre. (See map below)

Many people have volunteered to help as marshals today after the cente put out an appeal. See our story here.

The health centre said: "For those dropping off and picking up patients, the estimated time for collection will be around 15 minutes from drop off time. The vaccinating teams and marshals will do everything they can to minimise wait times, but queues do sometimes spill outside; a dry day is forecast but patients are asked to wear suitable clothing and footwear to prepare against cold and wet weather.

"Please avoid West Allington and West Road as queueing traffic is expected; the team will do their best to keep things moving but request that anyone local to please avoid the area on these days."