South-west London residents urged to hurry second dose of vaccine as cases surge
A top south-west London doctor is urging people to get their second vaccination as soon as possible, with the number of Covid-19 cases starting to rise.
Crystal Palace’s Selhurst Park ground and Harlequins’ Twickenham stadium are among the places residents can get their second jabs in Croydon, Merton, Sutton and Kingston.
Lead GP for the Covid-19 vaccination programme in south west London Dr Nicola Jones has issued a reminder that a second Covid-19 vaccination is needed to give people maximum, longer-lasting protection and the Wandsworth doctor revealed a series of walk-in clinics to help people get the jab quickly and easily.
Last week it was revealed that millions of people are now fully vaccinated – more than half of people in England. However, infections are rising with the latest test and trace figures showing 45% more infections week-on-week in England.
Dr Jones said: “Getting fully vaccinated is the single most important step we can take to protect ourselves, our families and our communities against Covid-19, including the Delta variant first identified in India.
“The first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine offers a high level of protection, but to get maximum and longer-lasting protection, that second jab is vital, so I would urge everyone who is eligible to get it as soon as possible.
“If you had your first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine on or before mid-April, we’re now inviting you to one of the walk-in clinics we’ve organised to make things quicker and easier for you – no appointment is needed.
“People who have been contacted to bring forward their second vaccine appointment are also asked to rebook as soon as possible.”
The new south west London walk-in clinics for second doses are being held at:
Crystal Palace FC:
9am to 7pm, Friday 11 to Sunday 13 June 2021
Centrale, Croydon:
9am to 7pm, Monday 14 to Sunday 20 June 2021
Harlequins:
9am to 7pm, Friday 11 June 2021
9am to 7pm, Sunday 13 to Sunday 20 June 2021
Hawks Road, Kingston:
9am to 7pm, Friday 11 to Sunday 20 June 2021
St Nicholas Shopping Centre, Sutton:
9am to 7pm, Monday 14 to Sunday 20 June 2021
Centre Court Shopping Centre, Wimbledon:
9am to 7pm, Friday 11 to Sunday 13 June 2021
People visiting the walk-in clinics for their second jab will need to bring identification and their vaccination card or vaccination app from their first dose.
Second doses were brought forward on the advice of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation. Appointments can be rearranged through the national booking service – www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination. Those who cannot use the NHS website, can phone 119 free of charge. The line is open from 7am to 11pm, 7 days a week.
Information about walk-in clinics can be found on the South West London Clinical Commissioning Group website at https://swlondonccg.nhs.uk/
Find out more about the Covid-19 vaccination programme at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus-vaccine