ALMOST 1,000 Knutsford residents received their first dose of the Pfizer Covid vaccine over the weekend.

The jab was administered by the Knutsford Medical Partnership at the Knutsford and District Community Hospital, in Bexton Road, which was chosen due to the need to vaccinate indoors.

With the Government hoping to have all over-70s vaccinated by mid-February, the pressure is on for the vaccination scheme, and the next event in Knutsford will take place on Wednesday and Thursday.

But the community has rallied together to help make the scheme a success by allowing medical staff to focus on the vaccinations, which meant 950 residents could get the jab at the weekend.

Knutsford Rotary Club is providing traffic management, while Knutsford Hosts, We Are Knutsford and other groups are volunteering in large numbers, and Tatton Fencing supplied sign stakes free of charge.

Rick Dallimore, president of the Knutsford Rotary Club, said “This is an excellent example of the Knutsford community working together to help the NHS to rapidly complete the most important and extensive immunisation programme the country has undertaken.

“We sincerely thank all those who have, and will, take part. We could not do it without you.

“We are happy to play a part in bringing back the days when life may return to normality. Thank you everyone.”

Patients will be advised when it is their turn to be vaccinated, with the programme working in order of priority depending on a person’s risk to Covid.

By February 15, the NHS wants to have vaccinated all residents in a care home for older adults and their carers, all frontline health and social care workers, all residents aged 70 or above, and all clinically extremely vulnerable individuals.

READ > Everything you need to know as Covid vaccinations begin in Knutsford

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “Since the historic day the first vaccine was approved, the NHS has made fantastic strides in offering the vaccine to as many at risk people as possible and at record pace.

“The UK vaccine delivery plan will be the keystone of our exit out of the pandemic, but we all must continue to play our part by staying at home, following the rules and keeping hands, face, space at the forefront of our minds when out and about.”