GPs and community NHS teams in Gloucestershire will start COVID-19 vaccination of priority groups later this week, with other areas following very soon.

Groups of GP practices are working closely together with community services to make this possible close to where people live.

Starting with people over 80, roll out of the vaccination programme will be expanded in the coming weeks and months to include other priority groups by age and people who are particularly vulnerable.

People are being asked to wait for their GP surgery to contact them about local arrangements and timings.

John Trevains, Director of Nursing, Therapies and Quality at Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust said: "We will be working tirelessly to roll the vaccine out across Gloucestershire using all available resources and are proud of our committed and adaptable colleagues for giving their all to this incredibly important initiative.”

GP surgeries will contact people with information on clinics and how to book an appointment.

Based on local arrangements, clinics will be in GP surgeries, community centres or hospitals and confirmed ‘Wave 1’ locations, which are:

• Vale Community Hospital, Dursley

• Cheltenham East Fire Station

• North Cotswold Hospital, Moreton in Marsh

• The Devereux Centre, Tewkesbury

• Rosebank Surgery, Gloucester

Other venues in Stroud and Cirencester are likely to be confirmed later this week and are expected to start vaccinations very shortly, pending delivery of vaccine supplies.

Local people are asked not to turn up at a venue for their COVID-19 vaccination until they have received communication from their GP surgery confirming details.

If people are housebound and unable to travel to a centre for medical reasons, they will be contacted by a local healthcare worker.

GP surgeries will also be making arrangements to vaccinate care home residents.