EXCLUSIVE: 'The vaccines arrived in Rugby 10 minutes ago' - an interview with the doctor leading our town's vaccinations

Dr Norman Byrd is the head of Rugby Health, a group of 12 GP surgeries in Rugby which are working together to deliver the vaccine in a newly set up centre in Locke House on Woodside Park.

"Things have happened at breakneck speed. In four days redundant office space with unsuitable flooring has been transformed into a vaccination centre," he said.

He asked for residents to be understanding if they experience interruptions to normal GP services in the coming weeks.

GP surgeries will be working hard to make sure residents are vaccinated, and some delays to normal services may occur.

"The message is that things will not be business as usual," he said.

Dr Byrd said the centre took delivery of 975 vaccines ten minutes before speaking to the Advertiser just before 2pm.

The vaccines have a 120-hour shelf life after being defrosted - and the aim is to have them all administered from early tomorrow through to Friday.

Dr Byrd expects the centre to be able to vaccinate around 300 residents on the first day.

"It's a huge change in how we are managing this disease," Dr Byrd said.

"Up until now we've been trying to control it with public health measures like social distancing and washing hands.

"This vaccine is the biggest change in medicine I have seen in my career.

"Since the beginning of this healthcare workers have been faced with a disease that is little understood. They've had to learn as they go along.

"It think it's been horrendous at times. As doctors we are here to advocate for our patients and do the best for them, and at points we have felt completely impotent.

Dr Byrd added that he has seen the range of second-hand effects of the disease - from mental health issues and job losses.

While he heralded the beginning of Rugby's vaccination program as brilliant news, Dr Byrd cautioned people to remain vigilant and continue to follow the guidelines.

He said: "We are hoping to vaccinate the people who are at the greatest risk of dying - that's not going to suppress the transmission of the disease immediately.

"The public health measures will have to be in place for a long time - but we are at the beginning of the end."

Social media has hosted an outbreak of misinformation and outright lies over the vaccine, and Dr Byrd wished to make clear the vaccine has been thoroughly tested and is safe.

He said: "Nothing is certain when you take medicine. That applies to anything from paracetamol to being vaccinated.

"The vaccine was developed quickly - but it has been robustly tested. I can assure the public that it is safe and I will happily be having it myself.

"There are some people who cannot have this vaccine - we are already aware of that and it will not be given to them.

Dr Byrd the small minority of people at risk of side effects will likely be able to receive different vaccinations if and when those are approved for use.

Residents are asked not to contact their GPs regarding the vaccine.

Rugby Health will work their way through various groups of residents in order of vulnerability, contacting individuals when the time is right.

"Please do not get anxious waiting for us to contact you - we will be in touch" Dr Byrd said.

He added that things will be much easier for staff if residents ensure they are registered at their local GP practice.