A COUPLE from Brent Knoll were the first couple to receive their Covid-19 jabs at Somerset's first mass vaccination centre when it opened today (Monday).
Scores of people have attended appointments at Taunton Racecourse, which will carry out up to 900 vaccinations a day from next week.
Peter and Josephine Gibbs were the first patients to be vaccinated there today.
Afterwards, they issued a joint statement saying: "“We feel privileged to be here today, and to be the first two vaccinations given.
"If you are offered the vaccine, you should absolutely take it – not only for your own safety but for others too.
"We have persuaded people around us to make sure they get it, as it’s so important.
"Everyone is working so hard here today and we just feel so happy to have had it.”
Not far behind them in the queue was Marlene Matthews, from Bridgwater, who said: "This has been my first outing since before Christmas, but I believe it’s definitely important to get the vaccine.
"I would encourage anyone to certainly come and get it.”
Taunton Racecourse is one of ten mass vaccination centres to open across the country today and will operate between 8am and 8pm seven days a week.
People from the priority groups living within 45 minutes of the racecourse will be able to receive their jab there.
The NHS has sent letters to residents from the priority groups inviting them to book their jab through the new national booking services by phone, or online.
The centre will be an additional option for people to have their Covid-19 jab, but people can also choose to wait to be called by their local GP surgery if they prefer.
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