AS THE Bordon vaccination programme continues, praise has been heaped on volunteers helping to ensure the roll-out runs smoothly.

Posting an update online, Councillor Andy Tree, leader of Whitehill Town Council, confirmed 1,600 doses of the Oxford/AstraZeneca had now been distributed to over-75s and the clinically vulnerable, including patients from Bordon, Whitehill and Lindford, as well as some surrounding areas.

In his post, Cllr Tree also gave a “special thanks” to staff at the Forest Surgery, the volunteers and PPG (patient participating group).

Commenting on the progress of the vaccine roll-out, Dr Anthony Leung, of the Badgerswood and Forest Surgery, said: “We gave more than 1,600 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine this week.

“Even though this vaccine has a six-month fridge life, it’s a race against the virus and we are using up the vaccines as soon as we can.

“The AstraZeneca vaccine we received came in ten-dose vials and we managed to get 11 doses out of each vial – it is precious and nothing goes to waste.

“We have done almost all our Group 3, the over- 75s, and are moving on to Group 4, the over-70s, next.

“We are also vaccinating people outside our immediate area.”

Dr Leung confirmed they were covering surgeries across Liphook, Liss, Petersfield and Cowplain.

“It has been a huge logistics exercise, made possible only with help from so many volunteers,” Dr Leung said.

“We are in a pandemic but that seems to have also brought out the best in people – the sense of community, goodwill and desire to help out has been enormous.”

The roll-out has seen five members of the PPG lend their time, as well as two nurses volunteering on their time off.

Members of the Woolmer Forest Lions Club have also volunteered their time to manage the car park.

Dr Leung added: “We have also had some nurses come forward to help with vaccinating and numerous members of the public offering to help where needed within the surgery to assist in the smooth running of the clinics.

“We have truly been overwhelmed with how many volunteers have come forward to support us.”