Southwark health chiefs urge more people to get vaccines as Delta variant spreads

With rates of COVID-19 rising across the capital, a London-wide drive to encourage more people to take up the COVID-19 vaccine is being rolled out.

Southwark Council is working closely with the NHS South East London CCG to boost engagement activity in several wards where there are relatively low rates of vaccine take-up in people over 40.

Community outreach will focus on providing accurate information about the vaccine, with additional activity such as door-knocking, targeted communications and organising more local vaccination popups.

Activity in London Bridge and West Bermondsey ward began this week, with a letter drop to approximately 5,000 properties followed by door-knocking from trained vaccination champions. They will talk to residents about getting the vaccine, if they have not yet had it, and signpost them to the 7 day walk-in vaccination clinic at Guy’s Hospital. They will also hand out at-home COVID-19 testing kits.

Cllr Evelyn Akoto, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “We are pulling out all the stops to make it as easy as possible for residents to learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine and where they are able to get their jab. In the coming days and weeks, we will be knocking on doors, speaking to residents directly and by letter, and promoting nearby vaccination clinics, so you may notice some activity in your area.

“Cases of COVID-19 are rising in Southwark, with most cases being the Delta variant. Two doses give much better protection against the Delta variant than one dose, so please remember to go along to your second jab.”