THE roll-out of the Covid-19 vaccine is continuing apace - with more of the most vulnerable residents due to receive the jab.

Patients registered with certain GP surgeries in Dalton, Askam and Ulverston are due to start receiving the vaccine in the new year.

Askam councillor Ben Shirley said the vaccination roll-out would begin in the area after January 11.

It will administered across the Mid Furness Primary Care Network, which encompasses Market Street Medical Practice, Duddon Valley Medical Practice, Dr Murray and Partners and Dr Johnston and Partners.

Cllr Shirley welcomed the roll-out of the vaccine.

He said: "I have been made aware from the local manager for public health that our area can expect to see the rollout of the Covid-19 vaccine shortly after January 11

"It's good news and I would encourage everybody to answer the call from the NHS and get the vaccine.

"I think it's essential for us to get back to normal life and keep the most vulnerable in our society safe."

The NHS is currently offering the Covid-19 vaccine to people most at risk from coronavirus.

The vaccine is being offered in some hospitals and hundreds of local vaccination centres run by GPs.

Vaccination has already begun in Barrow, with patients at the Alfred Barrow Medical Centre among the first in the county to have received the jab.

Patricia Lumb, 84, from Walney, the first person to get the vaccine in Barrow, said: "Don't even think twice about getting it done."

The NHS said the vaccine is being given to some people aged 80 and over who already have a hospital appointment in the next few weeks, people who live or work in care homes and health care workers at high risk.

The vaccine is set to be offered more widely, and at other locations, 'as soon as possible', health leaders have said.

The order in which people will be offered the coronavirus vaccine is based on advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.