Heathrow Vaccination Centre opening on Monday

Three large vaccination centres are already open in NW London, but this will be the first large vaccination centre opening in Hillingdon, that anyone with a 45 minute radius can book into.

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 - people aged 56 and over and people with long term health conditions.

Chloe Vaziri NHS, head of operations for the site said: “I am looking forward to welcoming local residents for their vaccination. We have an excellent team who will be able to help guide people and answer questions during their visit.”

Heathrow CEO John Holland-Kaye said: ‘We’re proud to be supporting the largest vaccination programme in British history. Mass vaccination and testing will provide a clear pathway out of the COVID-19 crisis and adapting our head office into a local vaccination centre will assist in the nation’s fight against this deadly disease. The UK’s vaccination effort is essential to keeping people safe and ultimately will help kickstart the UK economy, accelerating the return to travel as we once knew it.’

Councillor Ian Edwards, Leader of Hillingdon Council, said: “Thanks to the tremendous efforts of our partners at the NHS, tens of thousands of residents have already been vaccinated, and another vaccination site in our borough is great news as the rollout gathers pace. By working together, we can beat coronavirus and keep Hillingdon safe. When you are offered the vaccine, please book your appointment as soon as possible to protect yourself, others and our local communities.” 

Maria O’Brien, Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust’s Chief Nurse said: ‘We’re so pleased to be a partner delivering vaccinations at Heathrow. The vaccine makes a huge difference because it reduces suffering and that’s what the NHS is all about. The fight against covid isn’t over. Vaccination brings real protection and we’re ready to provide it!’

More Vaccination Centres will be launched in NW London in the coming weeks to increase the numbers of people who can be conveniently vaccinated each day.

Over 60s can book an appointment directly at a larger 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. There’s no need to wait for an invite.

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

And whether you have had a vaccine 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.

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 vaccine 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.

ENDS