Bristol's biggest coronavirus vaccination centre is set to release thousands more slots to meet a surge in demand.
As of this week all over-45s are now eligible to book in for their coronavirus jabs, as the NHS continues to work its way down the priority list.
The NHS website crashed yesterday (Tuesday, April 13) as people scrambled to book via the online system, and some over-45s in Bristol have also reported their struggle to get a slot.
Health officials have now confirmed that availability will be increased at Ashton Gate Vaccination Centre, which opened at the stadium in January to serve as a regional 'super hub'.
People using the national NHS booking system have to book their second dose appointment at the same time as their first.
Several social media users said they were unable to secure an appointment for their second dose, leading to their first appointment being unable to save on the system.
One Montpelier resident tweeted yesterday (Tuesday, April 13) reporting that he had been offered appointments in Weymouth, Bournemouth or Hereford as there were none available closer to home.
Another Twitter user reported: "I went through the loop 4 times in an hour with no 2nd appointments being available and ended up with nothing."
Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has now confirmed that more appointments will be made available to help meet the demand.
A spokesperson told Bristol Live: "We are releasing thousands of new first dose appointments for the Ashton Gate Vaccination Centre Over the coming days."
The slots are not for any specific age group, but should help to meet the increased demand as more people become eligible.
The national booking system is designed for people who are yet to have their first dose.
For people who have already had their first dose at their GP practice, the CCG advised that their GP will invite them back for their second jab when it is time.
NHS England had already advised that supplies of the vaccine would dip during April, warning that "far fewer appointments will be available" this month for first doses, with stocks instead prioritised for second doses.
People unable to access the online booking system can also book by calling 119 free of charge between 7am and 11pm.
