THERE was huge cause for celebration as the Solent NHS Vaccination hub hit an incredible milestone — their 50,000th vaccination on the Isle of Wight.

The jab was delivered into the arm of Gemma Duer, 25, at Newport's Riverside Centre today (Saturday).

Gemma received her first shot of the BioNTech Pfizer vaccine, amid balloons and congratulations from clinical staff, volunteers and firefighters who volunteers at the centre.

It was a real shot in the arm for the vaccination team at The Riverside Centre, led by senior manager Sarah Stringer, matron Janice Salter, clinical shift lead, Michelle Martin, and vaccination centre manager, Emmeline Payne, who have worked tirelessly in recent months delivering the vaccination programme on the Isle of Wight.

Isle of Wight County Press: Gemma Duer receiving the 50,000th Covid-19 vaccination at the Riverside Centre in Newport. Gemma Duer receiving the 50,000th Covid-19 vaccination at the Riverside Centre in Newport.

Isle of Wight County Press: Some of the friendly vaccine team who greet Islanders arriving to get their jab.Some of the friendly vaccine team who greet Islanders arriving to get their jab.

David Noyes, chief operating officer (Southampton and Hampshire) of the Solent NHS Trust, said: "Super proud of the whole team at our Isle of Wight vaccination centre at the Riverside, who today achieved the brilliant milestone of 50,000 jabs given.

"Great achievement by all involved, led by the super Sarah Stringer, with support from across the whole community."

On Facebook, a spokesman for the Friends of Freshwater Fire Station (FFFS) said: "They have potentially saved many thousands of lives."

Vacccination centre volunteer, Kevin Garrett, the watch manager at Freshwater Fire Station, has been part of the team from the start of the vaccination programme on the Island.

Isle of Wight County Press: Gemma Duer celebrating getting her jab — the 50,000th at the Isle of Wight's vaccination centre in Newport.Gemma Duer celebrating getting her jab — the 50,000th at the Isle of Wight's vaccination centre in Newport.

Isle of Wight County Press: An Islander receives his potentially life saving Covid vaccination.An Islander receives his potentially life saving Covid vaccination.

"We are particularly proud of Kev," the FFFS spokesman added.

Work at the vaccination centre continues as all adults, aged 18 and over, are now invited to get their first vaccination.

(all photos by Freshwater Fire Station)