A NEW Covid-19 vaccination centre has launched in Basingstoke today.

Basingstoke Fire Station will be used as a new hub alongside Hampshire Court Hotel, which has been in use since December 16.

In a tweet this morning, Hampshire Fire and Rescue wrote: "Vaccinations have begun at Basingstoke Fire Station. #TeamHants firefighters are supporting our @SolentNHSTrust colleagues in vaccinating the public against #Covid19"

Initially, vaccinations will be offered to people in line with recommendations from the independent Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), with the NHS contacting people when it is their turn.

People will need an appointment to receive the vaccine, with most invited through a letter from their GP practice or the national programme.

The fire and rescue service reminded the public that fire operstions are still in place alongside the vaccines: " With the vaccination centre opening here soon, please be aware we are still maintaining 24/7 fire cover and require access in and out the side gate to the fire station. Parking is located at the leisure centre and there will be plenty of friendly marshals on hand to help."

The service has also urged residents not to call the emergency line for vaccine enquires: "Please don’t call @HFRS_Control for information about COVID-19 vaccination centre plans. We can’t answer vaccination enquiries and we need to keep our lines free for emergency calls."

Almost a quarter of a million doses of the Covid vaccine have been administered in Hampshire.

The latest statistics released by the government show that 227,399 doses have been given across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, as of January 24.

That is the fifth highest number in the country - only behind: Cumbria and North East; Greater Manchester; Cheshire and Merseyside; and West Yorkshire and Harrogate.