PICTURES: Inside the new Covid-19 vaccination centre at Boots Taunton

The facility opened for the first time this morning (Thursday).

Initially it will operate five days a week between 8.45am and 5.30pm.

Boots Taunton Vaccinations ; Coronavirus ; Covid-19

It is hoped to deliver Oxford-Astra Zeneca vaccinations seven days a week from the middle of this month.

Boots clinical lead on the vaccination programme Adam Griffiths said: "It's going really well and everything's running smoothly.

"It's great that we're managing to support the local community getting vaccinations done.

"The more we do, the quicker we can get out of this mess.

"At the moment we're doing about 160 a day because of the amount of vaccine we can get through.

"We're hoping to get up to about 2,000 a week."

Boots Taunton Vaccinations ; Coronavirus ; Covid-19

Adam Griffiths

Mr Griffiths added: "People are really positive and happy to be able to get it with the protection it offers."

Store manager Brendan Moran said: "We're immensely proud to be supporting the NHS with the roll out of the vaccine.

Boots Taunton Vaccinations ; Coronavirus ; Covid-19 ; Brendan Moran [Store Manager]

Brendon Moran

"We're in a really good location. It's convenient for people who don't drive.

"It's a place people know and they feel comfortable to come here."

People will receive an invitation from the NHS to book an appointment - they should wait for that invitation and should not ring Boots.

Here's what some of the first people to get the vaccination thought of the experience.

Retired miner David Sanderson, 71, who lives on his own in Minehead, was among the first people vaccinated in Boots.

He said: "I'm happy to have had it.

"It didn't hurt. I'd recommend everyone to get it."

Boots Taunton Vaccinations ; Coronavirus ; Covid-19

David Sanderson

Mr Sanderson added: "I've got four grandchildren who I haven't been able to see during lockdown. I can only talk to them on the phone.

"I saw them briefly on Christmas Day opening their presents. It brought tears to my eyes.

"But I'm a pretty hard Yorkshireman. I go walking every day on Minehead seafront.

"I'm looking forward to the end of the pandemic, when I'll be able to go swimming with the grandchildren."

Hairdresser Robert Pink, 72, from Combe Florey, said: "It gives you a bit of freedom.

"It didn't hurt. I didn't even notice I'd had it.

"You can't not get the vaccine can you? I don't understand people who are anti-vaccine."

Boots Taunton Vaccinations ; Coronavirus ; Covid-19

Robert Pink

Mr Pink added: "I've been pretty much self-isolating.

"I've got a sister in Curry Rivel and we speak every day, but we haven't seen each other for a couple of months.

"I've most missed being able to pop in and have a cup of tea with someone and seeing my clients."

Helen Starsmeare, 73, a cashier in Tesco, lives along in the Galmington area of Taunton.

She said: "I'm please to get it and to be able to book it so quickly.

"It was so smooth and so easy. It was painless.

"I'd recommend everyone to get it."

Boots Taunton Vaccinations ; Coronavirus ; Covid-19

Helen Starsmeare

She added: "I wasn't able to work during the first lockdown because of my age. That wasn't so bad because it was spring and summertime.

"I'm in a bubble with my elder daughter and grandchildren at the moment and see her twice a week.

"My second daughter, we just converse on the phone.

"Having the vaccine won't mean a lot of difference at first, but ultimately life should change."

Boots Taunton Vaccinations ; Coronavirus ; Covid-19

Boots Taunton Vaccinations ; Coronavirus ; Covid-19

Boots Taunton Vaccinations ; Coronavirus ; Covid-19