'Fantastic' - patient's reaction to Covid-19 vaccine at Musgrove

Among the patients to be given the inoculation, one sent us these pictures of the tented recovery area outside the main hospital buildings.

The vaccines are being given to care home residents and their carers, people aged 80 and over and frontline health and social care workers.

The vaccination hub recovery facility at Musgrove Park Hospital

The patient told the County Gazette: "It was fantastic the way it was all organised.

"There were people there to explain everything and the place was constantly being cleaned.

"You get given the vaccine in North Reception and afterwards they take you to the recovery tent.

"I had the vaccination right on time. It didn't hurt at all and it's really boosted my spirits.

"I was then directed to the recovery unit for 15 minutes before being able to leave.

The Covid-19 recovery tent at Musgrove

"I know it's going to take a couple of weeks before the immunity starts to kick in, but I would say to everybody, 'Have the inoculation' when it's offered, but continue to follow the safety rules.

"There's light at the end of the tunnel, but we're a long way from the end of the pandemic.

"Well done Musgrove."

Alison Wootton, deputy chief nurse at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are delighted to hear about our patient’s positive experience of using the COVID-19 vaccination hub at Musgrove Park Hospital.

"We’re very proud to be playing our part in the largest vaccination programme that the NHS has ever undertaken.

"We now have two hospital hubs and 10 GP-led vaccination sites up and running in Somerset, with a further three opening in the next few days, that means that we can protect more people who are in the most at-risk groups against COVID-19.

“Our colleagues across Somerset have been working incredibly hard to get these hubs up and running and we look forward to seeing those who have had their invitation for a vaccine over the coming weeks.

“Our advice to people is please do NOT call your GP practice or the hospitals - or go to a centre without being asked to - you will be contacted when it is your turn. When we do contact you, please attend your booked appointment for the vaccine.

“Some people may have received a letter offering for them to have a vaccination at the COVID-19 vaccination centre at Ashton Gate in Bristol. Please be assured that this is only an option and if you would rather have the vaccine more local you should wait to be called forward by the NHS.”