THE rollout of the Covid-19 vaccine has begun across Shropshire, but a north Shropshire hub has not yet been confirmed.

Currently the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital is being used as the main venue in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin to deliver vaccinations.

But there is still no confirmation that the vaccine will be delivered on a local level.

Invitations to book an appointment are being sent to priority groups, with those aged 80 or older, care home workers, along with NHS workers who are at higher risk, among the first to receive the vaccination.

Dr Elin Roddy, a respiratory physician at The Shrewsbury and Telford NHS Hospital Trust (SaTH) who has worked on Covid-19 wards for the past eight months, was one of the first to receive the vaccine.

She said: "I am really excited and grateful to receive a vaccination against Covid-19 and would like to thank everyone who has worked so hard to make this happen.

"I have elderly parents who I haven't hugged since February because of the pandemic.

"When I told them I'd had a vaccination they were so relieved – they have been very worried for me through this, as I have worried about them.

"As a respiratory consultant, I have experienced first-hand the effects of Covid-19 on patients and families.

"We all see the effect this pandemic is having on our everyday life and it is fantastic that we now have a safe and effective vaccine, although we still have to be careful.

"I would strongly encourage everyone to get vaccinated when they are asked to come forward. I know people will understand that we need to start with those who are most vulnerable and at risk first.

"The vaccine is the best Christmas present I could have wished for and it feels like we are taking the first steps back towards normality."

Dr Arne Rose, Medical Director at the SaTH, added: "We're really excited to be one of the vaccination hubs and to be able to do our bit to help protect our local communities.

"The arrival of the vaccine is a turning point for us all in fighting the pandemic.

"The vaccine is safe and is the best line of defence against Covid-19.

"This is a hugely significant moment in our pandemic response and offers hope at the end of what has been an incredibly difficult year for us all."