The millionth resident in south east London has received their Covid booster in a landmark achievement.
1,000,000 people have now had a third jab as of this week (15 March) in Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich, Lambeth, Lewisham and Southwark.
This historic achievement is thanks to the continued efforts of nurses, pharmacists, community groups and NHS volunteers, who have administered vaccines at 84 different sites across the area.
Lambeth local Natasha Neilson, 27, was the millionth south east Londoner to be tripled jabbed.
“I’m delighted to be part of the celebration today and represent the one millionth person to receive a Covid 19 booster jab,” she said. “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,” added Natasha, who described having her shot as “wonderful” and “quick”.
This one million milestone reflects the NHS’s broader push to keep up the vaccination programme and protect those most at risk from Covid 19.
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Nearly 4,000,000 doses of the vaccination have been dished out in south east London as of 14 March 2022.
Around 1,500,000 people have received their first dose and 1,300,000 have had a second shot.
“As we learn to live with Covid 19, it is important to remember that the virus is still circulating,” said Dr Andrew Parson, clinical lead for the South East London Integrated Care System (ICS), which has coordinated the local vaccination effort.
“Getting vaccinated offers the best protection against Covid 19, reducing the risk of spreading it to others or getting seriously ill.”
He added: “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.”
A third of people in London had not had any jabs, reported the Times in December. At the time, four in ten people were completely unvaccinated in Westminster.
To find out more about the Covid vaccination or arrange a jab click on this link: https://selondonccg.nhs.uk/what-we-do/covid-19/winter-vaccinations/