HUNDREDS more people in south Herefordshire have been given their first dose of the coronavirus vaccine after a third clinic in Ross-on-Wye.

As Herefordshire and Worcestershire continues to lead the way in the vaccination programme, with the second-highest percentage over over-80s given their first jab of all areas in England, Ross-on-Wye GP Dr Simon Lennane praised the work of NHS staff and volunteers.

The Larruperez Centre in Grammar School Close was turned into a make-shift vaccine hub, and a steady flow of people were going through the doors on Saturday to get the jab.

"It's really satisfying, after so long the fact we're starting to make a difference," Dr Lennane, a GP at Alton Street Surgery, said.

"It's one person at a time, it's slow, but it's so worthwhile and people are so pleased to be here. We've got really good volunteer support so it's going really well.

He added: "There's some hope and it's the way we're starting to move forward. It's been a dreadful year and the fact we're starting to see things turn, we're turning the tide a bit, has been really reassuring. We are starting to make a difference.

"We've still got a long way to go through the population, we're in the mid-70s now here in Ross-on-Wye. We've got a long way to go but we've made a really good start so far."

Another vaccine clinic is scheduled for next weekend in Ross-on-Wye, with Dr Lennane determined to use all the doses he has, and so far not a drop has been wasted.

Of those in their 70s to brave the weather on Saturday, with flooding and flurries of snow across Herefordshire, was Bernard Morris.

He was relieved to get his first dose, saying he didn't have to think twice and wasn't sure why some people appear reluctant to have it

Mr Morris, 76 of Perrystone Hill near the town, said: "I know you've got to be awfully careful still, but it's one step along.

"I can't understand why people play up about it [having the jab], I have the flu jab every year and I've never had the flu either.

"I've got friends living in other parts of the country, and Herefordshire and Worcestershire seem ahead of the game.

"It's amazing, vaccines usually take many years to make, but these [scientists] have been fantastic."

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The hundreds of people seen at the clinic over the weekend will head back in 12 weeks time for their second dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech jab, which should boost their immunity to more than 90 per cent.

The Government changed the time between doses from three to 12 weeks in order to offer more people some immunity, something Margaret Pearce from Ross-on-Wye was still unsure about.

"I just wish we have a date for the next jab, it seems a long time," Mrs Pearce, 77 said,

"But the set up here is very well done, very well organised."

She added the coronavirus pandemic has been difficult for her as she lives on her own. While her closest family is 15 miles away in Hereford, a vulnerable relative with a lung-condition has meant visits are off the cards.

"It's been difficult as my one son is in Wales and my other is in Hereford, but his father-in-law has emphysema so I haven't been able to go there, and I'm a widow, so it's been a bit lonely," she said.

"You've just got to get on with it, there's nothing you can do. I go shopping maybe once a week, but I have a dog, so I go out twice a day and everyone speaks to you when you have a dog."