Nearly 2,000 people turned out to get a Pfizer coronavirus jab at Watford’s largest ever vaccination clinic on Sunday.

Watford Borough Council hailed the clinic, which saw Vicarage Road stadium turned into a vaccination centre on Sunday, as an “outstanding collective effort”.

The clinic ran from 10am to 9pm and was open to anyone aged 18 and over living in Watford who had not received their first Covid-19 jab.

It aimed to distribute up to 300 vaccines per hour to people and around 4,000 jabs across the day.

Whilst just under 2,000 people turned out, Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor, who volunteered at the centre, praised the day and thanked those who got their vaccine.

He said: “The Covid vaccine programme is the largest vaccination campaign in NHS history and teams across Watford have been working tirelessly to ensure the town’s response to the vaccination programme has been a success.

Watford Observer: Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor volunteered at the centre Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor volunteered at the centre

“The Super Sunday Clinic was the biggest pop-up clinic we have done so far, so I want to thank all the GPs across the town for the tremendous effort today administering the vaccine and ensuring the vaccine rollout is a success in the area.

“Thank you to everyone that got the vaccine as well, it is instrumental in the fight against Covid-19 and is the best way we can protect ourselves, our friends and family and, hopefully, come out of this terrible pandemic together.

“It was also really good to see so many people there from groups who have been under-vaccinated so far. Well done to everyone who turned out, got their jab and were #VaccinatedattheVic.”

To keep people entertained and spirits high whilst they waited for their vaccine, residents enjoyed the street entertainment on show and refreshments provided by sponsors Watford Chamber of Commerce, Sewa Day, Wenzels, Dominos, Costco and Tesco.

The initiative was organised by Watford Borough Council, the NHS, Hertfordshire County Council, Watford FC and a whole host of community organisations.

The event formed part of the work being done by the council, NHS and partners to encourage people to come forward for a vaccine, increase vaccination uptake within all communities in the town and ensure that no one is left behind.

Watford Observer: Luther Blissett attended the vaccination centre Luther Blissett attended the vaccination centre

Vaccinations were led by a clinical team from across Watford, including Manor View Practice, Abbotswood Health Centre, Sheepcot Medical Centre, Vine House Health Centre, Upton Road Surgery, Watford Health Centre and New Road Surgery.

Dr Asif Faizy, Board GP Watford and Three Rivers and Locality Chair said: “We’ve seen the very best of Watford today – when everyone in the community pulls together, we can achieve so much. 

"I’d like to thank the generous volunteers who have given up their weekend to support the vaccination campaign; Watford Borough Council, the local businesses, NHS staff and community organisations who made today possible. 

Watford Observer: Workers at the vaccine centre Workers at the vaccine centre

“If you couldn’t attend today’s event – please remember that it’s never too late to join the 400,000 people in west Hertfordshire who have made the decision to protect themselves and their families.  You will always be warmly welcomed in our county’s vaccination clinics.”     

Richard Walker, Watford FC’s Head of Communications & Media Relations, added: “We’re happy to have played our part in hosting this truly collective community effort.

“The relationship with our NHS next-door neighbours could not be any stronger right now and we look forward to working together in the future for the benefit of local people.”

Anyone who missed out on the Super Sunday Clinic can find out more about taking a vaccine here covid.healthierfuture.org.uk.