AROUND 300 people are set to volunteer at Dorset's first mass coronavirus vaccination programme.

The Atrium Health Centre, in Weymouth Avenue, Dorchester, is preparing to launch the vaccination programme today with the aim of delivering 800 vaccines in a 12-hour period.

The centre was chosen to distribute the Pzifer vaccine due its central location and will be administering the vaccine to patients from eight other GP practices from the Dorset Council area.

Volunteers will be helping at the site, directing patients and helping with any enquiries.

Lisa Fall, manager at the health centre, said: "It's wonderful that so many people have come forward to help.

"The volunteers will ease the pressure on staff by giving guidance to those coming for their first Covid-19 vaccine.

"People will be coming in their cars and waiting.

"These people in their cars may be anxious about getting their vaccine, so we train these volunteers into helping those struggling on the day."

Vaccines will be given from 8am-8pm on the launch day.

Patients are being told they should not call their practice to arrange a vaccine, but instead should wait for their individual invitation.

"We would like to thank the press because putting a call-out for volunteers in the paper, it's safe to assume wouldn't have had this many people volunteer," said Ms Fall.

The health centre received the vaccines within the couple of days according to the practice's GP, Dr Tom Riddington.

He said: "The vaccine has a 'shelf life' of three days.

"It's very important for the public to understand we have to abide by the JVCI (Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation) guidelines.

"We have to prioritise care home residents, people aged 80 and over, and frontline health and social care workers so we will contact patients directly to let them know they will be receiving the first dose of vaccines."

The centre was informed it would be at the centre of Dorset's first mass distribution of the Covid-19 vaccine in early December.

The GP will be contacting patients from the following GP services: Cerne Abbas Surgery, Fordington Surgery, Milton Abbas Surgery, Portesham Surgery (Malthouse Meadows Surgery), Poundbury Doctors Surgery (Cornwall Road), Prince of Wales Surgery, Puddletown Surgery, and Queens Avenue Surgery.