Vulnerable and elderly people queued outside the airport today to get their first jabs to protect them from Covid-19.

The airport is the first purpose-built mass vaccination centre.

Even though they were advised not to turn up more than 10 minutes before their appointment, many people did and so waited in the cold outside.

Just over 400 people, mainly in the over 80s age group, got their jab today.

People have also been visiting Ronaldsway to view the facility and its operation ahead of a vaccination appointment scheduled for a future date.

Minister for Health and Social Care David Ashford MHK said: ’The vaccination hub at the airport has been designed for a high throughput of over 400 vaccinations either morning or afternoon, which I am pleased to say we are achieving.

’It is understandable that people wish to arrive in good time for their vaccination, however I would ask that people arrive no more than 10 minutes ahead of their appointment.

’Arriving too early is leading to queues for parking and to enter the hub given the social distancing requirements.

’I understand that people will be anxious and curious, but I would ask the public not to visit the facility ahead of the day of their appointment as this places unnecessary pressure on the surrounding roads and car parking.’

He added: ’The facility is working as planned and the team have done a fantastic job bringing it online. We will be making some changes as part of our first day review, which includes exploring options for shelters outside and looking to stagger the numbers of wheelchair access drop offs, however I hope this appeal for people to think about how early they arrive will help rectify the situation.’

The vaccination hub has been created alongside the check-in area on the ground floor of the terminal building in a convenient and accessible location with plenty of free parking nearby.

It is designed to ensure priority groups are vaccinated swiftly, safely and efficiently in the biggest mass vaccination programme ever seen in the island.

Central to the development is a secure, clinical grade, temperature-controlled facility for the safe storage and preparation of the vaccine, which will be administered by nurses from the health visiting and school nursing teams from 10 vaccination cubicles, each kitted out with all necessary equipment.

People are greeted at the entrance where they complete paperwork before being shown to a waiting area. Individuals are called forward for their jab in one of the cubicles, before moving away from the clinical area and making their way to the exit.

The airport vaccination centre has been built and fitted out by a the Department of Infrastructure in just over three weeks.

Eight local contractors and around 20 local tradesmen were engaged on the project, which was active on site seven days a week, breaking only for the Christmas and New Year public holidays.

Materials were mostly sourced from island merchants, many of whom opened specially for the works during their traditional shut-down period.

From arrival on site in mid-December the work was completed in 23 days, the bespoke facility being handed over on January 21.

Mr Ashford said: ’Today’s opening is a significant landmark in our rollout programme. I thank everyone involved - they’ve shown exceptional team-work and a collective determination to make it happen.

’The new facility is built to do one job and I am confident it will do it well.

’The hub can cater for hundreds of people each day and will allow our rollout to ramp-up, vaccine supplies allowing - a caveat I must always include.’

He added: ’The airport is easily accessible by car and well served by public transport. I urge the public not to wait for additional venues to open, but to go to the current centres we have in Douglas and here at the airport, where they are able to get here under their own steam or with help from a friend or relative.

’As we move towards easing of restrictions we mustn’t forget this continues to be a health emergency, and our programme is based on vaccinating priority groups in turn at the earliest opportunity.

’Please help prevent any delays by going for your jab where and when invited.’

The hub comes on stream in the fourth week of the island’s rollout programme, to coincide with the planned expansion of vaccinations for the over-80s.

It will operate from Thursday to Sunday initially, in line with the scheduled availability of vaccine on the island

Vaccinations are also given at the Newlands facility at Noble’s Hospital.

The rollout to care home residents island-wide, it means vaccine is going into arms seven days a week.

Another hub is due to open in the old supermarket under Chester Street car park.

One of the MHKs for Ramsey has complained about access to the hubs from the north of the island. The story is in this week’s Manx Independent, which is on sale now.