Bringing it back to science - Covid-19 Vaccination Centre opening in the Science Museum later this week

In NW London we are excited to announce that the next Covid-19 Vaccination Centre will be opening later in the week at the Science Museum in South Kensington.

This exciting venue brings home what the vaccination programme is all about, that is, ‘science’.

The site is capable of delivering thousands of the life-saving jabs each week and offers another alternative to the GP and pharmacy-led services that are already set up in the area.

The Centre will be focussing on the latest priority groups (with booked appointments) - people aged 56 and over and people at higher risk from coronavirus.

Pippa Nightingale NW London lead for the vaccination programme: ‘I am really excited that we have been able to use the Science Museum in the vaccination programme. The vaccine is a remarkable feat of science and our main way of seeing an end to the pandemic. Our vaccination teams look forward to welcoming and vaccinating local people here.’

Sir Ian Blatchford, Director of the Science Museum, said: ‘It’s wonderful to see part of the Science Museum repurposed for this country's most pressing task in a generation, vaccinating the adult population. Uniquely, our museum can both tell the story of how vaccination has saved millions of lives, and also play a part in ensuring vaccines protect the nation from Covid-19. It is an extraordinary sensation to be collecting and living history all at once.’ 

Councillor Cem Kemahli, Kensington and Chelsea’s Lead Member for Public Health, said: “The Science Museum is an iconic landmark in the borough and it is fitting that it is opening as a large vaccination centre to help combat this pandemic.  I know many residents are keen to be vaccinated to not only protect themselves, but also reduce the risk to others and help us out of the pandemic.”

Two large vaccination centres open in NW London this week with several more centres still to open to increase the numbers of people who can be conveniently vaccinated each day.

Invite letters will explain how people can book a slot over the phone or online through the national booking service, and NHS leaders are urging people not to turn up at the centres.

People who book in to a vaccination centre should note marshals will be on hand to help. Bookings are staggered to allow social distancing and please don’t arrive until five minutes before your appointment time.

Whether you have had a vaccine yet or not, please continue to follow all the guidance to control the virus and save lives – that means staying at home as much as you can, and following the ‘hands, face, space’ guidance when you can’t.

Notes 

Those invited for vaccination can book an appointment directly at a large vaccination centre through the national booking system - www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination or by calling 119 free of charge, anytime between 7am and 11pm seven days a week.

Those aged 70 and over who haven’t had their first dose yet are encouraged to speak to your GP or visit the national booking system to book an appointment, link - www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination  or by calling 119.