Covid-19 vaccinations begin in Brighton as centre opens

The vaccination clinic at the Royal Sussex County Hospital began operating today.

Outpatients and inpatients aged 80 and above are being given the first of two necessary doses, with the second dose set to be given in 21 days time, a Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals (BSUH) NHS Trust spokesman said.

The vaccination clinic in Brighton

The trust is also contacting more patients to book their vaccination.

One of the first people to receive the first dose of the vaccine was Bidge Garton, who has been a volunteer with BSUH for more than 35 years.

• READ MORE: All you need to know as the Covid-19 vaccine is rolled out across Sussex

In 2018, she was given an award for her incredible service over the years, including supporting the trust through the likes of Brighton bombing at The Grand hotel and the Fatboy Slim Concert on Brighton Beach.

A cool box arrives at the site in Abbey Road, Brighton

Following her appointment at the vaccination clinic, a BSUH spokesman said: "One of the very first in our vaccination clinic was Bidge Garton, a volunteer at the Trust for over 35 years.

• READ MORE: Hospital chief reveals plans for rollout of vaccine in Brighton, and how many vaccinations could be given each day at the Royal Sussex County Hospital

"We're proud to be able to administer the vaccine to Bidge today and many more patients over the coming days and weeks."

A queue at the site in Brighton

Outside the Covid vaccination centre in Abbey Road, Brighton, there was a queue of people waiting for their appointment at about 1pm.

At one point, a man arrived carrying a coolbox marked "Porter 1" which is believed to have contained the vaccine.