On Saturday (17 July) you can help to “Knock Covid for 6” at The Kia Oval cricket ground in Kennington by joining an initiative to get as many people in Lambeth vaccinated as possible before restrictions are lifted on Monday.
“Cases are rising fast and there are still a lot of people in Lambeth and across London who have not been vaccinated,” said Dr Abdul Mukadam, director of Akerman Medical Practice, Myatts Fields, who has been working with the NHS South East London CCG and Lambeth Together to get as many people vaccinated as possible.
“Although most younger adults are at less risk of serious illness with Covid-19, it is still hugely important that they get vaccinated to protect their loved ones and their communities, as well as themselves.
“The pandemic has been particularly hard for people in Lambeth, but now we can start to look forward to reconnecting with family and friends and making this summer a summer to remember.”
Dr Mukadam hopes that more 7,000 people will be vaccinated at The Kia Oval this Saturday ahead of government plans to lift most Covid-19 restrictions on Monday (19 July).
The event has been organised by the NHS South East London CCG, Lambeth Council, Surrey County Cricket Club and the Lambeth GP Federation.
“Every vaccination is not only a step towards protecting everyone we love, it is also a step towards returning to normal, so I strongly urge anyone who hasn’t been vaccinated to get down to The Kia Oval on Saturday and Knock Covid for 6.”
Since the 26 January this year, Dr Mukadam and his team have been vaccinating up to 1,800 people a day at the Montgomery Hall, vaccination centre just across the road from The Kia Oval.
“As they walk out they always rub their shoulder – see!” Dr Mukadam said when I met with him at the centre back in April.
“We first came here last year at the beginning of the pandemic. We wanted to see a place where we could see patients, but it was not suitable,” said Dr Mukadam.
However, after some work, the centre was perfect for a vaccination clinic.
The centre has around 70 volunteers who help to organise the queues, support people with forms and offer extra assistance to anyone who needs it.
Dr Abdul Mukadam said the volunteers, who will also be helping this Saturday, “work really hard” and described the clinic as “one of the most successful vaccination centres in South East London.”
“I just want to feel useful,” said volunteer Katie Bell, a freelance film director who found herself out of work when the pandemic started.
““It’s been really rewarding. It’s amazing. An incredible range of people. Really interesting volunteers. It’s been a really positive experience. It’s great to be part of it.”
A walk-in clinic and bookable appointments (https://bit.ly/ovalvax) will be available from 8am to 8pm at The Kia Oval this Saturday for anyone over 18 who would like their first or second dose of the Pfizer vaccine.
It is recommended that people have their vaccinations at least eight weeks apart.
Anyone looking to get their second dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine can book an appointment at Montgomery Hall or at another vaccination clinic (http://www.selondonccg.nhs.uk/popupclinics ).
More information about the COVID-19 vaccine can be found here:www.nhsselondonvaccinefacts.com
