Vaccinations at Wilton’s special vaccination centre at the Michael Herbert Hall passed the 10,000 jabs milestone at the end of February.

Dr Fiona Dawe, Clinical Director of the Sarum West Primary Care Network, said: “It is immensely rewarding to be involved in the vaccination campaign. Our staff and volunteers have worked incredibly hard to reach this fantastic milestone.

“Our patch is 420 square miles of rural countryside with a higher than average older population, and this has created many difficulties. But the team across all seven GP practices have risen to every challenge to get the vaccine into peoples arms. But we still have a long way to go to protect the whole community.

“We are all working as fast as is safely possible and ask that residents continue to be patient and please accept the jab when it’s offered. We understand people are keen to be vaccinated, but please don’t call your GP to ask for an appointment as they will contact you when it’s your turn.

“In the meantime, everyone including those that have been vaccinated should continue to adhere to all the guidance and wear a face covering, keep their distance and regularly wash their hands.”

Helping to organise the sessions was Wilton councillor Peter Edge in his capacity as Wilton Rotary Club president. He thanked all the volunteers who turned out, especially the Rotarians, as they helped the sessions run smoothly and efficiently.

The team included Wilton town councillor Phil Matthews, a trustee of Michael Herbert Hall. He said: “ We were pleased that the hall was being used for this very important community project. The people who came from all over the area were very impressed with the hall’s facilities.”

He was also impressed with the professional smooth running of the vaccination sessions, he added.

A New Valley News reader wrote: “I would very much like to thank through your paper the Rotarians and volunteers who are managing the Michael Herbert Hall during the Covid vaccination programme, particularly for us ‘oldies’. They were welcoming and efficient and the whole thing was quick and painless.
R. Moore, Wilton