Hundreds given Covid vaccine after Croydon Mosque is turned into ‘pop-up’ clinic

By Toby Porter

More than 400 people were given the Covid-19 vaccination after a Croydon mosque was turned into a NHS ‘pop-up’ clinic on Saturday.

The NHS in South West London teamed up with Croydon Mosque and Islamic Centre (CMIC) to offer the coronavirus vaccine between 1.15pm and 4pm to anyone aged over 50 or in an ‘at risk’ group over the age of 16 who had not already been jabbed.

The clinic, run by AT Medics GPs from the Thornton Road and Valley Park Surgery, was set up to encourage eligible people to get vaccinated in a location that is convenient and familiar to many in the community.

The service was available for people in Croydon of all faiths, or none at all.

Volunteers from the mosque were on hand at the clinic as marshals to welcome and support people attending for their vaccination and to ensure safe social distancing was maintained.

Mr Nadir Mothojakan of Croydon Mosque and Islamic Centre said, “Covid-19 vaccinations do not contain pork or any other animal products. They are halal, kosher and vegan friendly.

“All of the vaccinations are safe and effective, so please get the vaccination when you are offered it.

“You have a duty to protect yourselves and your families, so please encourage your friends and family to do so as well.”

Dr Quraishi, clinical lead and GP on site, said: “It has been wonderful to have vaccinated so many local people this weekend.

“Croydon mosque is in the heart of the local community and we are so pleased to have been able to work with them to help protect that community.

“It’s been great to hear how pleased our patients are being able to have their vaccine close to where they live.

“The Covid-19 vaccine gives you the best protection against Covid-19.

“The Covid-19 vaccines are safe and effective and have been approved for use in the UK after meeting strict standards of safety, quality, and effectiveness.

“I would encourage everyone to take up the opportunity to have the vaccine when offered.”

Dr Agnelo Fernandes, GP Borough Lead for Croydon, said: “We are very grateful to Croydon Mosque and Thornton Road and Valley Park Surgery and thank all those involved in setting up this fantastic ‘pop-up’ clinic, one of a number set up or planned across South West London. Everyone contributed towards making it a success with hundreds of people getting vaccinated.

“The NHS and our community partners such as Croydon Mosque are working hard to give out facts about the vaccine, let people know that it is safe and effective and provide reassurance for community members who may have questions about it – vaccinating as many people as possible across our borough is the most effective way of bringing Covid-19 under control.”