Vaccinations have begun in Helston – and it is hoped that almost all over-80-year-olds in the area will have been contacted within the next week or so.

Helston Medical Centre is the hub for vaccinations in the Helston and the Lizard Peninsula area, and began giving them out on Thursday.

Since then the team has been working apace to vaccinate as many people as possible over the following three days.

All elder care homes in the South Kerrier district have also been visited.

Four medical practices have come together to achieve the feat - Helston Medical Centre including Porthleven Surgery, Meneage Street Surgery, Mullion & Constantine Group, and St Keverne Health Centre - supported by volunteers in the community, including Helston-Lizard Rotary Club members who have been acting as marshals, and also individual members of the public.

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A delivery of more vaccines is expected next week and it is hoped that almost every person over the age of 80 in the surrounding area will have been contacted soon – although people have been warned that the overall process of vaccinations will take months, rather than weeks.

Helston Medical Centre has thanked everyone for the positive feedback it has received in the last couple of days.

Writing on its Facebook book, a practice spokesperson said: "The team are working so hard and every single one of these [positive comments] gives them a push on to continue. We are talking months not weeks.

"We have all felt quite emotional at being able to begin protecting our patients. It really has been quite a week (or two). So thank you, your time to feedback your appreciation is truly valued!"

Falmouth Packet: Beryl, 81, and Trevor, 84, after receiving their vaccinesBeryl, 81, and Trevor, 84, after receiving their vaccines

Beryl, 81, and Trevor, 84, after receiving their vaccines

When arriving for an appointment, patients can park in the Cornwall Council-owned Trengrouse Way car park for free and volunteers will then direct them down the road at Meneage Parc to a temporary new entrance that has been set up at the medical centre in Trelawney Road, at the back of the building.

In a marquee area the team will check each patient in and there are seats for waiting if necessary.

From here patients will see one of then vaccinators to receive their jab, before proceeding to the practice waiting room for a short period.

The surgery car park has been closed to all except for those with blue badges or to drop off and there is no entry through the usual entrance, as this is now exit only as part of new a one way system.

Falmouth Packet: The queue for jabs was fast moving in the temporary new entrance set up in the car parkThe queue for jabs was fast moving in the temporary new entrance set up in the car park

The queue for jabs was fast moving in the temporary new entrance set up in the car park

In a notice to patients, the practice spokesperson said: "Arriving on time is perfect. Too early and it creates queues and longer waits.

"Immensely proud that four practices have worked together to make today a success and it’s not just the teams doing the vaccinating it’s all the others working behind the scenes as well.

"A huge thank you to our volunteers you were all awesome."

The day does not start with the first appointment, however, as cleaners are in last thing at night and first thing in the morning to get the building for the day's clinics, and the centre's dedicated pharmacists arrive in the early hours to prepare the vaccines for the day ahead.

Falmouth Packet: Volunteers with Helston-Lizard Rotary Club help marshalVolunteers with Helston-Lizard Rotary Club help marshal

Volunteers with Helston-Lizard Rotary Club help marshal

And for anyone in the eligible groups still waiting to be contacted, they added: "Don’t worry if you haven’t been called yet, we have a long list that we are working our way through.

"We are expecting a further delivery next week so we hope to be contacting almost all remaining over 80s."

For other patients, the entrance to the surgery will be closed except for prescription collection. There is a new temporary entrance at the rear of the building during clinics for patients with booked appointments.