SOUTHAMPTON is taking part in a nationwide drive to accelerate the Covid vaccination programme as cases continue to rise.

An existing vaccination centre in the city has become one of the temporary walk-in facilities supporting the "grab a jab" campaign, which is aimed at everyone aged 18 and over.

People could visit the Southampton Clinical Commissioning Group building at Oakley Road, Millbrook, today without making an appointment.

A similar service will operate tomorrow for those who want to receive a vaccination either before or after work.

It coincides with another rise in the number of Covid cases in Southampton.

A total of 99 new infections were reported in the city over the weekend, which means 15,813 residents have contracted the virus since the start of the pandemic.

The Oakley Road building is one of hundreds of walk-in vaccination sites across the UK that are being used to boost the number of people getting jabbed.

Almost 50 people visited the centre within 20 minutes of it opening yesterday and others continued to arrive throughout the day. By mid-afternoon the total had exceeded 150. Staff also saw more than 900 people arriving for pre-booked appointments.

One of the walk-in patients was Fin Talbot-Jones, 20, of Southampton.

He said: "My dad went to the dentist this morning and heard about it so I've decided to come along. I'm not a big fan of needles, which means I'm not particularly looking forward to it."

Morgan Edgerton, 19, of Southampton, added: "I need a vaccination so I can get my life back to normal. I already had one booked but wanted to get it done sooner."

Volunteer vaccinators on duty yesterday included Megan Maffey, 19, of Southampton, whose father Mark has overseen the conversion of Basingstoke fire station and other buildings into temporary vaccination hubs.

She said: "It's been quite steady. We've had a lot of young people aged 18 or in their early twenties."

Kathryn Watson, senior clinical lead, added: "Our staff really want to get people vaccinated so they can get their lives back to normal."

According to official figures around 44 million people - 83.7% of the adult population - have received a first dose of a coronavirus vaccine and 32 million - 61.2% - have had two doses.

NHS England chief executive Sir Simon said: "With every jab given, we are one step closer to our summer freedoms."

The Oakley Road walk-in centre will be open tomorrow between 8am and 9.30am, and again between 5pm and 7pm.

An NHS spokesperson said: "There are limited appointments and people may need to wait to be seen.

"Those who are not able to take advantage of a walk-in vaccination tomorrow will be supported to book vaccination appointments by visiting via the national booking system."