Medical professionals  are keen to dispel the anti vacs rumour mill as hundreds of local  Covid-19 vaccination services run by family doctors and their teams are set to dispense the life saving jab.

The Thornton Heath population has historically had low Flu vaccine uptake and there is high anti-Covid vaccine sentiment with conspiracy theories widespread in the community  especially amongst the  BAME and Eastern European communities. 

A small poll of four elderly residents in Thornton Heath  revealed only one  aged 90 would consider having the vaccine with the other three scared of going to hospital to receive the jab for fear of infection or just generally not trusting vaccines and politicians. 

London was plunged in to Tier 3 this week as it emerged a mutant strain of coronavirus had caused the  infection to spread faster in the south east.

In January, South West London CCG is planning several virtual events with a variety of audiences to ensure people have access to the safe and reliable information. It is talking to community leaders and local groups to see what information they need.

The phased vaccination programme has seen patients aged 80 and above who are already attend hospital as an outpatient, and those who are being discharged home after a hospital stay, be among the first to receive the life-saving jab. 

The likely phasing of vaccine supply from the manufacturers means most Covid-19 vaccination for high risk people is likely to take place between January and Easter.  GPs are also making plans to begin vaccinating care home residents.

George Dyer, 90 from Norbury, (pictured) became one of the first people in the world to receive the Covid-19 Pfizer vaccine at Croydon University Hospital on Tuesday (Dec 8).

The retired butcher who hasn’t left his  house during Covid said:”I’ve felt helpless, but I’ve had to be sensible so I’ve stayed put. Now it feels like I can get my life back.”

Dr Agnelo Fernandes, GP Borough Lead for Croydon said:“The NHS staff here in Croydon have done a fantastic job of looking after people during the pandemic. Now everyone is working hard to vaccinate really vulnerable people in our communities while continuing to ensure everyone’s safety.

 “The NHS will be letting people know when it’s the right time for them to come forward because we need to make sure the most vulnerable people get the vaccine first.”