South-east London reaches landmark one millionth Covid vaccine

A 27-year-old has become the one millionth patient to be vaccinated against Covid-19.

Natasha Neilson got her jab at Fairlee Pharmacy in Queenstown Road, Battersea, from South East London Integrated Care System (ICS).

The landmark figure was made possible by the ongoing efforts of volunteers, GPs, pharmacists, nurses and a range of NHS staff, alongside people across Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich, Lambeth, Lewisham and Southwark who have had their booster.

Natasha said: “I’m delighted to be part of the celebration today and represent the one millionth person to receive a COVID-19 booster jab in south east London. Everyone here at Fairlee Pharmacy has been wonderful and the process was so easy and quick.

“I’m looking forward to going away this summer and my travels will be a lot smoother now. I’d like to thank all the NHS staff and volunteers who have helped residents like me get protected.”

Fairlee director Viraj Karia said: “Our team at the pharmacy is honoured to have hosted the one millionth resident of south east London to receive the COVID-19 booster vaccination. It is an important moment to mark and to celebrate the success of the vaccine programme. We look forward to welcoming even more residents of south east London, to join the one million who have already had their booster.”

Since the Prime Minister’s pledge to offer all adults boosters by the end of January, South East London ICS has rapidly increased its capacity and worked closely with pharmacists, nurses, other NHS staff volunteers, partners and community groups to deliver booster vaccinations to 1 million people across 84 sites in Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich, Lambeth, Lewisham and Southwark.

Dr Andrew Parson, clinical lead for the COVID-19 vaccination programme at South East London ICS said: “I would like to thank all the NHS staff, volunteer and partners, whose unrelenting work has made achieving 1 million boosters possible. I’d also like to thank all south east London residents who have so far come forward for their vaccine, helping to protect themselves, their families and communities.

“As we learn to live with COVID-19, it is important to remember that the virus is still circulating. Getting vaccinated offers the best protection against COVID-19, reducing the risk of spreading it to others or getting seriously ill. South East London ICS is committed to continuing to work with its partners to offer the COVID-19 vaccine to all eligible residents, helping protect communities across south east London.”