More community pharmacies are set to offer bookable appointments for the Covid vaccine across north Cumbria.

As the vaccine programme is set to open to all over 18s, there are now 10 bookable locations for the vaccine from Seascale to Kirkby Stephen.

The latest NHS England figures show that about 400,000 vaccinations have been delivered in the north of the county, meaning more than 80% of the population have had their first jab and more than 60% have had their second.

The bookable locations are now Boots, Harraby Community Centre, and St Paul's Church pharmacy in Carlisle; Allison's at The Globe Hotel, Cockermouth; Green Tree Pharmacy, Kirkby Stephen; Penrith's Auction Mart Vaccination Centre, and rugby club Conference Centre; Seascale Pharmacy; Pharmacy2U at Dunmail Park, Workington; and Seacliffe Pharmacy, Whitehaven.

Ed Tallis, director of primary care for NHS North Cumbria Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “We are making excellent progress thanks to a huge team effort across primary care,community pharmacy and many more colleagues and volunteers.

“We know our best defence to avoid serious illness is to have the vaccine and we would urge people to get their vaccine as soon as they are able. It is also very important to have the second jab to ensure maximum protection.”

There are three ways to receive the vaccine, including being invited by your GP, booking through the National Booking Service, or being called into a hub to ensure all vaccines are used.

The vaccine takes between two-to-three weeks for the protection to develop, and the second jab should be received to ensure maximum protection.

Following the guidance of hands, face, space is also still advised, to avoid passing the virus on to others.

To find out more, visit the NHS website.