Oliver praised NHS staff and volunteers during a visit to the Borehamwood vaccine hub at Allum Hall today. Oliver visited the vaccine hub, the largest GP-run vaccination centre in Hertsmere, to promote the new stage in the vaccination programme which provides covid-19 booster vaccinations.

Oliver said: ‘Ahead of the Big Vaccination Weekend, I was delighted to be at Allum Hall today meeting with the NHS staff and volunteers who have worked tirelessly since January to provide Hertsmere residents with coronavirus vaccines.

This weekend, there is a national push to encourage those who need a jab to come forward, whether it is their booster or their first or second dose. It is so important as we enter the winter months that those who are invited for a booster jab take up this invitation. Getting the jab is the most important thing you can do to help keep the virus at bay this Christmas, as well as protecting your health and the health of your loved ones.

Here at Allum Hall, Dr Alex Byrne and her team have administered a hugely impressive nearly 90,000 vaccinations. That is 250 lives saved and 500 hospital admissions avoided. It was great to discuss how enthusiastic Hertsmere residents have been in getting their vaccines and hear about the other projects being run out of the Manor but there are still 17,000 people in Hertsmere who have not had a vaccination at all. So if you have not had one at all, do turn up to Allum Lane to get your vaccine straight away.’

Over the past month, more than 600 people requiring their first or second jab have also taken advantage of being able to ‘grab a jab’ without having to book in advance and without having to be registered with a GP. Alongside this, Allum Hall runs the NHS ‘Respiratory Hot Hub’, a patient assessment centre which serves patients who require medical assessments and observations for Covid-19 symptoms. This face-to-face GP appointment service is available by appointment only and will remain at Allum Hall over the winter.

For more information about the vaccination programme at Allum Hall, including dates and times of clinics, please visit www.covid.healthierfuture.org.uk.