Hemel Hempstead MP praises volunteers and medical staff after successful first day at Covid-19 vaccination centre

The MP for Hemel Hempstead has praised the medical staff and volunteers who helped the Covid-19 vaccination centre get off to a successful start.

The centre opened in Maxted Road yesterday (Thursday) and GP practices are working through their patient lists and people will be contacted when it is their turn to be vaccinated.

The NHS is prioritising those the Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) and government has decided will benefit the most.

Sir Mike Penning, volunteered at the Covid-19 vaccination centre in Maxted Road last night (Thursday) from 4pm till 8pm.

He said: "Overall the day went well, it was the first day and of course you expect some problems, and there were a few tiny hiccups.

"There were a few delays and at times there were queues, I don't think people realised they would have to fill in forms, but it was supposed to close at 8pm, and we finished at 8.15pm, which really isn't too bad on the first day.

"Twenty people failed to turn up, and I was quite impressed with that number, as it's quite low really.

"Just over 700 people aged 80 and over were vaccinated throughout the day.

"The volunteers were amazing, of course there were professionals there who also did a great job, but I don't think it would have gone as well as it did, if the community had not all pulled together and helped.

"It was great to be there as a volunteer, I was in the waiting room, helping before people went to the nurses station.

"There were eight stations, the were brilliant, helping the patients and then having to log everything back to their GP.

"Everyone had the Pfizer vaccine, which was good because then at least everyone knows what they have had.

"There was constant communication, helping to keep people informed about what was going on.

"It was generally quite moving, there was a regular round of applause for the doctors, nurses and everyone helping.

"There was some people who were really frail and waited in the car while the person who brought them went to talk to the volunteers, and on some occasions the doctors would go to the cars to do the vaccine.

"It was all very professionally run, and none of the vaccine was wasted, which is really positive.

"The important message is for people to be patient, your GP surgery will contact you when it is your turn and invite you down.

"You then book your slot and then come down. Please do not just turn up to the site, just be patient, and we can all get through this."

A spokesperson for Herts Valleys CCG said: “The first day has gone very well. We had a very good attendance rate and everyone was really pleased to be getting their first dose.”