A retired doctor says she is most looking forward to hugging her grandchildren again soon after she was fully vaccinated against coronavirus.

Dr Ann Goddard received her second jab of the Pfizer vaccine on Wednesday evening, describing her experience as "painless".

Dr Goddard, who is in her 80s and a community stalwart in Elstree & Borehamwood, is also the chairman of Allum Manor House & Hall, and it was at Allum Hall where she was given her second dose.

NSPCC volunteer Dr Goddard, who was handed a British Empire Medal in 2012 for her service of more than 40 years to the children's charity, said: "It (being fully vaccinated) makes me feel liberated.

"It was painless and very efficient. I've been looking forward to receiving the second vaccine.

"It makes me feel very humble and proud that Allum Hall is able to contribute in this way to the community. My admiration goes to the NHS and all of the volunteers and staff here."

Dr Goddard receiving her second jab at around 6.30pm on Wednesday at Allum Hall. Credit: Tony Battison

Dr Goddard receiving her second jab at around 6.30pm on Wednesday at Allum Hall. Credit: Tony Battison

Dr Goddard says she has been able to keep in touch with her family via Zoom over the last year, but now she has received both doses, is counting down the days towards being able to hug her grandchildren again and the rest of her family.

She is also looking forward to being able to restart her NSPCC garden parties, with an event scheduled in July.

Allum Hall, which has jabbed more than 20,000 people, has started its programme of second doses, helping to protect the most elderly and vulnerable in Elstree & Borehamwood.

A number of its staff, including manager Tony Battison, have also received their second doses.

See More: A look inside Allum Hall vaccination centre as 20,000th patient is jabbed

Dr Goddard speaking with Allum Manor trustee Bob Redman, who has been volunteering with the vaccination programme. Credit: Tony Battison

Dr Goddard speaking with Allum Manor trustee Bob Redman, who has been volunteering with the vaccination programme. Credit: Tony Battison

Dr Alex Byrne, who is overseeing the vaccination scheme at Allum Hall, also wants to reiterate and reassure people that she and her team have absolutely no shortage of first dose coronavirus vaccines at this time.

Anyone who has received an invitation from the NHS for a first dose of the Covid vaccine is urged to take up hundreds of slots available this Sunday (March 28) at Allum Hall where the Oxford vaccine (first doses only) is being administered.

Anyone aged over 50 in Elstree & Borehamwood who is yet to receive a first dose may want to contact their GP as soon as possible to try and secure a booking for Sunday, due to the number of vaccines available currently.

The Herts Valleys Clinical Commissioning Group is warning there will be a reduction in the weekly supply of the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine nationally from Monday (March 29) for an expected four-week period that will impact first doses during April for people without an existing booking.

Second doses will still be provided for people in April that are due to have them – for both the Pfizer or the AstraZeneca vaccine.