Watford legend Blissett receives coronavirus vaccine

Watford FC's record holding goal scorer and European Golden Boot winner was recently given the jab at the Manor View Practice vaccination centre in Watford, where he said the rollout of the vaccine is "vital".

Born in Jamaica and a proud member of the Black African-Caribbean community in Watford, Blissett is now encouraging members of all the communities in Hertfordshire to feel comfortable with taking the vaccine.

The former England striker said: “As a black man, I am aware that there is a much bigger risk from Covid-19 and the stakes are infinitely higher. Not having any work, I have been doing what I can out in our community and that means trying to lead by example.

Luther Blissett has received his first Covid vaccine

“When it comes to the choice I made about having a vaccine, there is no reason that the colour of my skin affects my trust in the vaccine and medical services.

“But Covid-19 does discriminate and I know many ethnic communities have been devastated by losses because of the risks we face. So, I hope that I can encourage those communities locally to have a vaccination. We would all put our faith in the NHS and medicine if we caught the virus, so we should do the same, and if it means we can avoid catching it, people are saved.

“The vaccine rollout is vital to ensure life can return to normal in the future, where we can have our families surrounding us and our friends seeing us. “ 

Blissett added that everyone has the “moral responsibility” to follow coronavirus rules in order to protect vulnerable people, the NHS and front line workers.

He said: “With the vaccine being rolled out across Watford and the country, I thought it was up to me to do what I could to make sure those I love at home and those around me out in the community can trust me not to compromise their health.”