Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (HHFT) has today opened the doors to its new vaccination hub, as the trust plays their part in the biggest and fastest vaccine programme in NHS history. 

The new hub, which is located at Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital, will see the trust’s staff providing COVID-19 booster vaccinations to up to 950 members of the local community each day as part a 12-hour a day, seven day a week service. 

To book a booster appointment, visit www.nhs.uk or by call 119. The trust’s ‘hospital hub plus’ site is being operated as an appointment only booster facility, with no walk-ins available at this time.  

The hub launch is part of a national programme which aims to offer every adult the chance to book a COVID-19 booster vaccine by the end of the year.  

As the most complex and challenging phase of the rollout expands even further and faster, the NHS has asked every local area to dramatically increase the number of appointments they have in place for vaccinations.  

Hampshire Hospitals chief executive, Alex Whitfield, said: “We’re doing all that we can to support the national vaccination drive and this new hub at Basingstoke hospital is helping deliver even more booster jabs to our local community.  

“The new Omicron variant appears to be more easily transmissible even amongst those double vaccinated, and therefore, a booster jab is essential to ensuring the maximum possible protection this winter.  

“Increasing vaccination levels in the community will also help our hospitals and staff be there for everyone that needs our care by reducing pressure on our services. Getting the booster is the very best way you can help your local NHS, so be sure to book your appointment through the national booking site as soon as possible. 

“I want to say a huge thank you to all of our staff who have worked so hard to get the vaccination hub up and running so quickly.” 

Members of the community looking for a way to make a difference and get involved in the vaccination programme can visit the Hampshire and Isle of Wight health and care website for further information: www.hiowhealthandcare.org/get-involved/hampshire-and-isle-wight-working