Croydon residents urged to “get boosted to stay safe” as Omicron cases rise across the country
Croydon’s residents are being urged to get COVID-19 booster vaccinations now, to protect themselves against the Omicron variant that is spreading rapidly throughout the country.
Everyone over 18 is being offered the opportunity to get their booster by the end of the year as part of a nationwide race to save lives and keep people healthy this winter.
Local people who haven’t yet taken up the offer of the first and second dose of the vaccine are also being encouraged to come forward to protect themselves against the serious complications of COVID-19.
Matthew Kershaw, the Trust’s Chief Executive and Croydon’s Place Based Leader for Health, said:
“We’re working hard delivering this booster vaccination programme so that we can protect as many local people as possible.
“If you’ve already had two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, a third ‘booster’ dose raises your level of protection against COVID-19 back up to over 75%, helping to reduce your chances of becoming seriously ill this winter.
“It’s vital that Croydon residents come forward and book their appointment as soon as possible or attend one of the many walk-in centres running across the borough.”
NHS staff including GPs, pharmacists, teams in vaccination centres and hospital staff have been working around the clock to offer more vaccines than ever before, with appointments available 7 days a week at sites across the borough.
Dr Agnelo Fernandes, local GP and GP Borough Lead for Croydon added:
“Vaccines are our best possible defence against COVID-19 so I hope that local residents take up the offer of booster dose or our evergreen offer to get your first and second doses.
“Alongside this, it’s vital that you continue to wear face coverings in public places, follow social distancing guidance and wash your hands regularly, so you and your loved ones stay safe this festive season.”
The best way to ensure you get your vaccines and booster is to make an appointment here . If you walk into a local clinic without booking you may experience long waiting times.
All the information about Croydon’s COVID-19 vaccination clinics is here and you can check your eligibility here .