It has never been easier to get vaccinated against Covid-19 in north east London.
The first of 29 new local vaccination sites have started to open this week. With the rest to follow over the coming two weeks, this means there will be nearly 100 places to get your free vaccination.
The sites are spread across all our boroughs and the City of London and this map shows where they are.
With the prospect of cases and hospitalisations rising again this winter, GPs are urging people to get vaccinated now to protect themselves and their loved ones, and to avoid having to self-isolate.
The NHS in north east London has now given over 2.3 million Covid-19 jabs and is opening the new sites to give everyone the chance to get vaccinated easily, safely and in a way that is most convenient for them.
Anyone aged 16 and over can easily find their nearest, high street, walk in vaccination centre for their first or second jab through the ‘Grab a Jab’ NHS online walk-in finder. There is no need to pre-book and no need to bring a parent or guardian if you are 16 or 17; you can simply walk in and have your jab.
You can also book appointments at a local centre through the National Booking Service. It is currently open to anyone aged 18 or over, and to people within three months of their 18th birthday, but will be open to 16 and 17 year olds too from 27 September.
Booster jabs are now being offered to vulnerable adults to make sure they have a high level of protection as we head into winter, as research suggests the protection provided by vaccines decreases gradually over time. Boosters will offered to:
- all adults aged 50 years or over
- those living in residential care homes for older adults
- frontline health and social care workers, and adult carers
- all those aged 16 to 49 with underlying health conditions that put them at higher risk of severe Covid-19
- adults who live with immunosuppressed people.
To be eligible, individuals must also have received two doses of the Covid-19 vaccine at least six months ago. The Pfizer vaccine will be given in the booster programme, regardless of which vaccine someone received for their first two doses.
Booster jabs need to be booked and if you are eligible you can go ahead and book your booster now at participating sites on the National Booking Service. People will also be contacted by the NHS or your GP directly and invited to book.
Dr Jagan John, GP and Chair of North East London CCG said: “It’s never been easier to get vaccinated. For anyone aged 16 and over there’s no need to book and you can simply pop into your local vaccination centre and get your jab. And booking an appointment is really easy too.
“If you haven’t had your first or second vaccination now really is the time. We still have hundreds of Covid patients in intensive care, 90% of which are not fully vaccinated. Getting two doses of a vaccine is the best way to reduce your chances of becoming seriously ill with Covid-19 and ending up in hospital. I’d also encourage anyone to book their booster when they are invited to.”
