In Merton, we have been doing a lot of work to engage with local communities around COVID vaccine hesitancy, and to understand some of the barriers around access for residents. We ran a short survey for all residents to understand the preferences around what type of setting is preferred when the vaccine is offered. We also asked questions around what is most important when accessing the vaccine – being able to get there and back, the location, having the vaccine in a familiar place, and also it being delivered by trusted staff.

Out of all respondents, 75% were aged 45 and over and 69% of all respondents were female. The common theme of responses was around being able to have the vaccine locally. From this we also understand that having the vaccine delivered by trusted staff, and ease of being able to get to and from vaccine appointments is deemed very important. Also 64% of respondents said they would prefer to have their vaccination in a GP surgery. The vaccination is being offered in a variety of places across Merton, including GP and pharmacy-led services, hospitals and community vaccination centres.