A new coronavirus vaccination centre opening in Watford will have the capacity to deliver thousands of vaccines each week, a council has said.

The new vaccine centre at Watford Town Hall will officially open to the public on Thursday, February 11, with hundreds of residents already booked in to receive their vaccine.

Watford Borough Council says the centre is in the extension to the Town Hall, chosen because it is on one level and has flexible space to accommodate the needs of the centre.

The council says it has worked closely with the NHS to adapt part of the building for its new role so that it is easy to access, people can wait safely and the team administering the vaccine programme have everything they need to make it quick, easy and stress free.

It added that the centre has the capacity to administer thousands of vaccines each week.

Vaccinations at the Town Hall are by appointment only and people should wait to be called before attending any vaccination centre.

Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor said he is “delighted” that a new vaccination centre is opening in the Town Hall.

He said: “It (the Town Hall) is such a landmark in Watford and so it seems fitting that it can add this role to its long history of serving our residents – perhaps the most important one it has ever played. 

“We will join GP surgeries, pharmacies and Watford General hospital in getting this life saving vaccine to those who need it most and I would urge everyone who is contacted to respond to their invitation.  It is the best way we can protect ourselves, our friends and family and, hopefully, come out of this terrible pandemic together.

“I would also like to say a massive thank you to everyone who is working so hard to make this vaccine programme a success, from the clinical staff to the volunteers, everyone involved should be proud of the difference they are making.”