Two years since the NHS delivered the world’s first Covid jab, kickstarting the most successful vaccination programme ever, health leaders are calling for people who are eligible to get their booster dose ahead of Christmas.
The NHS in London has delivered more than 19m Covid vaccines since the largest and fastest vaccination programme in NHS history began with the first person in London being vaccinated at Croydon Hospital two years ago – providing crucial protection, preventing countless hospitalisations and saving thousands of lives.
More than 1.5m autumn boosters have been given in the capital. But, with cases of Covid-19 on the rise again and people set to gather across the capital for the festive period, the NHS is urging anyone eligible for a booster to come forward now to protect themselves and loved ones.
Dozens of sites around the capital are making the vaccine as accessible as possible ahead of Christmas – with pop-ups at food banks, community health centres and places of worship.
Among those vaccinating in the coming days are teams at churches, mosques, shopping centres and a roving bus, stopping at convenient places such as supermarkets and community centres.
Medical Director for the NHS in London, Dr Chris Streather said:
“Over the last two years NHS staff and our partners have shown enormous commitment and dedication, delivering thousands of Covid vaccines every day to ensure we continue to protect all our communities.
“We are urging eligible people to book their Covid boosters and flu jabs as soon as possible and take up the opportunities to get protected this weekend”.
Please visit www.nhs.uk/wintervaccinations to book your Covid-19 booster now.
