Thousands of people turned up in a rush to claim surplus Covid-19 vaccine stock at a Walthamstow vaccination centre.

Walthamstow Library vaccinated 3,000 people yesterday (March 31) after the call-out for local people for spare vaccines, who were prioritised based on risk.

The library was met with long queues, and several Twitter users reported that it took up to two hours long.

This came after Walthamstow MP Stella Creasy tweeted about the extra supply, saying: “Walthamstow there is extra supply of Covid-19 vaccine today at the library.

“If you are 50+; 18+ with a health condition; a carer; a health and social care or blue light worker you can walk in before 6.30pm for 1st vaccine. Bring NHS number and evidence of the category you are in!”

Twitter users at the site claimed that anyone over the age of 18 could queue for a spare vaccine of the Oxford-AstraZeneca jab.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series: Another look at the queues (Photo: PA)Another look at the queues (Photo: PA)

But Waltham Forest Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) clarified that only those in risk categories could receive surplus vaccines.

The group said on Twitter: “Please do not go to Walthamstow Library for a vaccine this afternoon unless you have an appointment to be vaccinated.

“We are unable to vaccinate people who are not in the specified groups. We will let you know when there are any further walk-in events.”

Walthamstow Forest Council later announced that 3,000 people had been vaccinated at the site that day.

On Wednesday, it was announced that a total of 4.1 million people in the UK are now fully vaccinated against Covid-19, the equivalent of around one in 13 (7.8 per cent) of adults.