Residents are urged not to contact the Atrium Health Centre in Dorchester to ask when they are getting their vaccine.

The surgery is sending out first dose invitations as quickly as its vaccine allocation allows and clinics for those receiving a second dose will be held in the same way the first doses were carried out.

A spokesman for The Atrium Health Centre said: "Please do not contact the surgery asking when you will get an invitation as the receptionists will not be able to tell you. Every patient will be invited individually when we have a dose for them.

"We ask you to arrive at the doors no earlier than your chosen time slot - you may arrive at any point during the 10-minute window you select. Please do not arrive earlier than your allocated 10-minute slot as early arrivals cause queues ad may delay people who were booked for a time earlier than yours."

Second dose invitations will be sent out via text message or a phone call from the surgery for those who do not have a mobile number recorded.

Text messages will be sent by 'CerneGP' or 'Mid-Dorset Primary Care Network'. You should follow the link, enter your date of birth and chose and confirm your preferred time slot.

Patients who have not responded in good time to their text message will receive a phone call from the surgery to help them with booking. Whilst some invites may appear to come from Cerne Abbas Surgery, contact The Atrium Health Centre if you need help booking.

The spokesman added: "We ask you to avoid calling the surgery about Covid vaccinations to ensure our phone lines are left clear for those who need to book GP or nurse appointments.

"We have a very robust system in place to ensure all patients are invited and have the opportunity to have the vaccine, so we will contact you.

"Thank you for your patience."

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