Our vaccination programme is expanding across South West London, and we have now given 238,953 across 40 vaccination centres, including our 25 GP led centres, eight hospital hubs, four pharmacy-led services and three large vaccination centres. With over 70% of vaccines delivered at primary care sites, GPs have been leading the way in vaccinating local people to make sure that we are on track to offer a vaccine to all over 70s and front-line health and care staff by Monday 15 February 2021.

We are now urging everyone aged 70 and over who hasn’t yet had an invitation for a vaccination to come forward and contact the NHS to book their jab through the national booking service or by calling 119 free of charge between 7am and 11pm, seven days a week. The national booking service allows people to book an appointment at their nearest large vaccination centre or pharmacy service. If a suitable and convenient slot is not available, people can also call their GP practice.

We want everyone to receive the vaccine and to take it up when they are offered it. We are supporting residents from black, Asian and ethnic minority communities to get accurate and accessible information so they can feel confident to get the vaccine to protect themselves and their loved ones. However, we are aware from our local conversations, as well as nationally and regionally published research, that uncertainty around uptake is down to multiple and complex factors. To support local people, we need to work together with voluntary and community partners to support our diverse communities in increasing confidence, and enabling everyone to make informed choices for themselves and their families. Through conversations with health and care staff, local leaders and the wider community we want to make sure concerns are heard, myths are dispelled and information on the safety and benefits of vaccinations is shared.