Covid vaccines: Watford MP and mayor visit Manor View Practice

Dean Russell and Peter Taylor were invited down to Manor View Practice in Bushey, a hub which has vaccinated more than 9,000 patients already, which is the most in the area.

Mr Taylor said he wanted to personally visit the health staff at Bushey Medical Centre and thank them and all of the fellow healthcare staff in Watford for all they are doing to keep residents safe from the virus.

He said: "Practice teams across Watford have been working tirelessly to ensure Watford’s response to the vaccination programme has been a success. On top of the vaccinations, they have been undertaking their usual service to ensure that patients get the advice, tests, treatment or surgery they need.

"The vaccine rollout is instrumental in the fight against Covid-19 and there has been a great deal of co-ordination of manufacturing, logistics, rapid training of vaccination administration personnel and co-operation of patients.

"I would like to thank the health and care workers in Watford for going above and beyond during the pandemic and encourage everyone to take up the call for the vaccine when their turn arrives." Manor View Practice is one of several GP hubs in south west Hertfordshire administering vaccines to the must vulnerable and elderly residents."

Peter Taylor, left, and Dean Russell, centre left, with staff from Manor View Practice

The GP hubs are in addition to the mass vaccination centre in Stevenage, while Watford's vaccination programme will receive a huge boost from this week with the opening of a new Covid vaccination centre at Asda, capable of jabbing 3,500 people a week.

Dr Ketan Bhatt, GP Partner at Manor View Practice said: "I would urge everyone to book an appointment when invited. But remember - even when you are vaccinated, it’s vitally important to continue to break the chain of infection by washing our hands, using a face covering and keeping our distance from others.

"We are rolling out the vaccine as quickly and as safely as possible - as supply allows. We need to give the vaccine the best possible chance to succeed by continuing our efforts to stop the spread of the virus now by adhering to the current restrictions. Anyone who tests positive or who is identified as a close-contact must self-isolate to prevent the spread of the virus."

Earlier this week, faith leaders in Watford joined as one to sign a statement encouraging communities to take up the offer of a vaccine.

The leaders have been concerned about a lower uptake in some communities, and said it may be due to "simply untrue" rumours about the Covid vaccine and "misinformation".

Read more: Watford faith leaders' statement on coronavirus vaccine 'misinformation'

According to Department of Health Data, up to and including January 29, more than 8.3 million people across the UK have received their first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine, including more than 170,000 people in Hertfordshire and west Essex.