THE MADEJSKI Stadium in Reading has become a mass Coronavirus vaccination centre as of today.

The conversion was announced to the public on earlier this morning, revealing that the Reading FC home stadium would be offering life-saving jabs to those aged 65 years and over, and other eligible groups.

According to organisers, the size of the site will mean that it will be able to deliver thousands of vaccines per week, working through the government-decided priority lists.

ALSO READ: Almost two dozen suspected breast cancer patients waiting too long for urgent tests at the Royal Berkshire Trust

The site is being run by Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, and will be operated as the lead provider for large vaccine centres across Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, and Berkshire West.

Dr Abid Irfan from Berkshire West CCG said: “It’s great that we have this mass vaccination centre now up and running in Reading.

"It means we’ll be able to deliver the jabs at pace and this will play a critical role in the vaccination programme which has been working so well across Berkshire West since the first sites came on stream in December.

"I’d like to thank the project team involved in setting up the Centre which will build on the great work already being done by our Primary Care colleagues across the healthcare system in Berkshire West.

ALSO READ: BYGONES: Special Royals tribute to King

Madejski Stadium, Reading.

Madejski Stadium, Reading.

"The Madejski Vaccination Centre also means our Primary Care teams will now be able to devote more time to the other healthcare needs of their patients.

"We’ve all worked incredibly hard to make sure our surgeries continue to provide the wide range of health and care services people need at the same time as rolling out the vaccination programme."

People aged between 65-69, as well as anyone older that are yet to be vaccinated, can book their appointment by calling 119 once they have received their invitation letter.

Residents who turn up without previously being invited will not be vaccinated at this time.

ALSO READ: Family of man killed in Caversham pay tribute to son with a 'heart of gold'

Nikki Richards, Deputy Chief Executive from Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We are really pleased to be able to support our public health colleagues during this challenging time.

"By deploying members of the team, we have been able to support the set-up of this mass vaccination centre and aid the NHS in the fight against Covid.

"Whilst our own critical emergency response continues to be of the utmost importance, we are committed to playing our part in the wider effort to support our communities during this unprecedented time.”