MORE than 11,500 people have already received the Covid jab in Herefordshire, putting it in pole position for the whole of England.

Thousands of pensioners and health workers have already had the vaccine, which is being rolled out by GP surgeries at five major centres county-wide, including the The Larruperz Centre in Ross-on-Wye and Saxon Hall in Hereford.

So far, some 6.5 per cent of the population has been vaccinated, a bigger share than any other county, including another 450 people in South Wye at Saxon Hall on Saturday.

Clinical lead for the weekend’s Saxon Hall vaccination programme, Dr Nigel Fraser said: “We’ve done the over 90s, over 85s, and this is the last of the over 80s, we’re starting on the 75 to 80 group and we’re also bringing in dentists and high-risk other professions like paramedics, which is really important.”

A man from Ross said after receiving the jab there: “Just returned from having the vaccination which was really well organised and administered by friendly helpful staff, despite the team in Hereford doing 400 people a day.

“I have only praise for our local NHS staff and services.”

Another elderly man said: “I didn’t even feel that. I didn’t feel it at all and I’m looking forward now a bit hopefully.

“We must stick to lockdown still, until we’re told otherwise, but it’s a step in the right direction.”

One woman added: “I didn’t know I’d had it. I’m as fit as a fiddle, I can climb Everest now!”

Another patient told BBC Hereford and Worcester: “It’s good to see people today, and it’s quite organised, it’s very good.”

One man said: “I’m relieved more than anything else that I could get here, and I’ve had it quite quickly, so I’m quite happy about it,” while another admitted: “It’s marvellous to have the thing, and it gives you more confidence.”

Wye Valley NHS Trust posted on Friday: “We have managed to vaccinate a lot of front line staff this week, primary care have also vaccinated very many over 80-year-olds.

“So many people at a much lower Covid-19 risk due to the new dosing strategy and an incredible team effort.”

One man posted on Ross-on-Wye’s Public Noticeboard Facebook page on Friday: “Mother-in-law vaccinated today at The Larruperz.

“Absolutely superb job being done there by everybody!”

A woman pensioner added: “My husband and I were vaccinated at the Larruperz in Ross yesterday and couldn’t fault the organisation and kind yet efficient attitude of all the people involved despite the bitterly cold day.

“Congratulations to everyone involved.”

Others said the voluntary effort was “awesome” and “extremely efficient”.

“I applaud you all for such a professional job! Well done,” added one woman.

Another Ross poster said: “Really well organised and calm! Many thanks to everyone involved.”

And another added: “Took my parents today. I have to say very well organised. Thanks to all involved.”

One woman volunteer added: “It’s great team work, proud and honoured to be part of it…”

Referring to the latest vaccination figures in the county, another said: “Let’s celebrate the positive… in this horrible situation.

“Many health staff have worked their absolute socks off, working out of hours and additional hours over Christmas, because they really care about this, to get this off the ground and running smoothly…

“Just say thank you that we have an effective vaccination system going in our county... well done to those who set it up and are running it!”

One man added: “Herefordshire are doing a very good job, people involved are going above and beyond and are well organised.”