Health bosses in Staffordshire have welcomed news that the Covid-19 vaccination programme will launch across the county, as well as the rest of the country tomorrow (Tuesday, 8th December).

Fifty hospitals in England have been initially chosen to serve as hubs for administering the vaccine with more to be added as the programme develops.

In Staffordshire, a vaccination centre will be located at Royal Stoke University Hospital, with additional sites being added over the coming weeks.

The first people to be vaccinated will be those over 80 years old, care home staff and NHS workers who are at high risk of serious illness.

Dr Richard Harling, Director of Health and Care at Staffordshire County Council said: "The rollout of the vaccine from Tuesday is really encouraging news but it may be many months before this is available in large quantities.

"We'll be working closely with our partners and local hospitals throughout the rollout but in the meantime, it's absolutely vital that we all continue to do what we can to help reduce the spread of the virus.

"That means sticking to the rules and remembering the basics of washing our hands regularly, wearing a face covering and keeping our distance. These are really simple steps, which together can make the biggest difference.

"Identifying more people who have the virus, so they can self-isolate, is also helping us to reduce the spread of infection over the winter. So, if you have any symptoms, or are asked to get tested even though you have no symptoms, it is hugely important that you do so.

"We have shown in the last few weeks that we can work together and bring cases down, and the challenge now is to continue to maintain this until most people are vaccinated. This is going to take a collective effort but following the rules is our best chance of controlling the virus and getting back more of the freedoms we once took for granted."