Second Dose Queue-Jumpers Turned Away

A few islanders have been turned away from Fort Regent after trying to jump the queue for their second coronavirus vaccine dose.

Channel 103 understands that a small number people who have already had a first dose are booking online as a first appointment to try and get the second one earlier.

Operations Lead Ross Barnes has called for patience.

"People are really keen to get their vaccine which is encouraging for us because we want it to get rolled out as soon as we possibly can.

"However, we do need to stick to the guidelines and in incidents where people have tried to book themselves in (for a second dose) or turned up without being eligible, we have had to turn some of those people away.

"In most cases, we've been able to then offer appointments within the next few weeks anyway.

"I'd just ask people to be patient and take their time. We'll be in touch with everyone and everyone will get an opportunity to be vaccinated."

Over 80s and frontline health staff can now get their second jab.

Appointment times for second doses are sent via text or email. Times and dates can be changed if the appointment given isn't convenient.

Certain days are now being prioritised for first doses and others for second, in line with the plan to give second doses around 10 to 12 weeks after the first.

The plan is to give all over 50s their first dose by the end of this month.

Under 50s will then start to be vaccinated from the start of April. You can find more details on that here.