Portsmouth Covid: Readers of The News have their say on the prospect of 24/7 coronavirus jabs
Portsmouth’s Covid-19 vaccination centre will open in a matter of days, it was revealed last week.
But prime minister Boris Johnson recently outlined aspirations to take England’s fight against coronavirus one step further by introducing 24/7 vaccination hubs.
The round-the-clock inoculations are currently earmarked to debut in London or the Midlands as part of a trial, vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi has hinted.
But regardless of which parts of country roll out the scheme first, the idea of getting a vaccine in the early hours of the morning or the middle of the night has prompted much debate.


We asked readers of The News, Portsmouth whether they would be willing to get their Covid-19 jab at an unsociable hour if the offer was made available to them.
Hundreds of them responded – and this is what they said.
Would you get a 24/7 vaccine? – Here’s the verdict of News readers
Bex Rogers: ‘I would if I was a single person but I have two young children, so it wouldn’t be convenient. But, it’s perfect for people who have no children.’
Nick Cox: ‘No, I’ve been working everyday since this all started. I need my sleep!’
Justin McClumpha: ‘Yes, providing it was local to me.’
Sarah Church: ‘Yeah, definitely. Any excuse to get out. Only joking, can't wait for mine as I’m high risk. Check my post everyday waiting for my letter.’
Paula Greenfield: ‘Definitely don't give a damn about the time of day.’
Margaret Mainwaring: ‘Definitely. My son is on standby to take me anytime, anywhere.’
Gina Hider: ‘Yes even [at] 1, 2, 3 or 4 – 24 hours I would go.’
Susan Buckle: ‘No from me. I need to sleep and so does my hard-working husband.’
Trevor Garner: ‘Yes, [I’ll] just be glad to get it.’
Marie Anderson: ‘Would rather that than work time lol.’
Melvyn Hustings: ‘That's a no from me.’
Dee Duckworth: ‘No, because I need to use public transport.’
Linda Bartlett: ‘Certainly....if a member of the NHS can be there at that time of night to vaccinate me I can be there as well.’
Kerry Howie: ‘Yes, no brainer.’
Martin Hill: ‘Give me a minute, I’ll put some pants on.’
Alan Wardle: ‘Oh yes, any excuse to get out of the house at any time.’
Kim Higgins: ‘Yes, if it was close to where I live.’
Valerie England: ‘Very often up in the middle of the night anyway so the answer is a yes.’
Sandra Valerie Phyllis Miller: ‘Bit of a problem – I don’t drive.'
Anne Pantel: ‘If people are good enough to stay up all night to give vaccinations for my benefit. Definitely yes!’
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