Archdeacon of Croydon becomes first person to get Covid jab at a newly opened vaccination centre
By Tara O’Connor, local democracy reporter
The Archdeacon of Croydon was the first person to be vaccinated at a new vaccination centre in the Centrale shopping centre.
It opened yesterday and an area on the upper level near Starbucks has been transformed so jabs can be delivered by NHS staff and volunteers .
The Venerable Dr Rosemarie Mallett, Archdeacon of Croydon, said she was pleased to receive her first jab in the “heart of Croydon”.
She said: “Having had my vaccine I hope to show local people how easy it is. I know and understand the worries some people have, and want to do everything I can to support people to feel confident to accept the offer of the vaccine when it’s their turn.”
There are also vaccination centres at St Paul’s Church in Thornton Heath and at Crystal Palace football ground, Selhurst Park.
Dr Agnelo Fernandes, GP borough lead for Croydon, said: “Good transport links, nearby parking and a town-centre location make this a great place for our latest vaccination centre – the Centrale team has done us proud.”
The centre for appointments only and those who are currently eligible for a Covid-19 jab include people aged 55 and over, the clinically extremely vulnerable, those with learning disabilities and people who live or work in care homes.
Those with appointments should take their invitation letter or booking reference and are urged not to turn up early to avoid queues building up.
Dr Fernandes added that the vaccination is “safe and simple” but those unsure should talk to their GP or look on NHS.uk for the facts about the vaccine.
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