George is 80 and lives in Croydon. He came to St Paul’s Church by the 130 bus to get his vaccine. George said: “I get my flu jab every year. I did lots of reading before getting the vaccine and made an informed choice. I’m most looking forward to being happy again.”

John David works as a fitness instructor visiting care homes to teach chair based exercises and is also a ballroom dancer. John read up a lot about the vaccine and booked his appointment as soon as he could. John said: “I’m really looking forward to getting back to work with my care home residents, helping them to keep fit and active. Getting the vaccine is a really simple process and getting it done will help everybody look out for each other. I’m looking forward to my second dose.”

Princess is a local resident and decided to get the vaccine because: “I really enjoy going out. I get public transport a lot so I want to be safe. I’m really looking forward to things getting back to normal.”

Over 10,000 people have received a Covid-19 jab at St Paul’s Church in Thornton Heath where 11 local GP practices have come together to run the vaccination centre.

This is one of six sites in  Croydon and GPs are central to delivering the biggest vaccination programme in NHS history, with over 70 per cent of the immunisations being administered by local GPs and their teams.

But St Paul’s could not run these Covid-19 vaccination clinics without the amazing  support of local volunteers.

The NHS has now offered the vaccine to people aged 70 and over, care home residents and staff, front line health and care workers and clinically extremely vulnerable patients.  Those aged 65 or over and those with underlying health conditions who are grouped as clinically vulnerable are now being offered the vaccine.

Dipti Gandhi, Clinical Director for Primary Care in North Croydon said “It has been wonderful to have vaccinated so many of our patients in just four short weeks.  St Paul’s is in the heart of the Thornton Heath community, and we are here to help protect that community and help everyone live long and vibrant lives.”

Premier League football club Crystal Palace has also opened its Selhurst Park ground  as a  NHS Covid-19 vaccination centre. The stadium is one of London’s biggest vaccination venues.

Teresa Chapman, Business Lead for One Thornton Heath PCN who has led the organisation at St.Paul’s said: “It has been a huge amount work, seven days a week, but it has all been worth it to see and hear how pleased our patients are being able to have their vaccine close to where they live.”

Those over 70 who don’t have an invitation letter can now book their appointment online at www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination or by calling 119. This booking system allows you to book an appointment at a community vaccination centre like Selhurst Park or a local pharmacy vaccination centre.

Parchmore’s Dr Agnelo Fernandes has a special message to those people over 70 who have not yet taken up their offer of a vaccine: “We know this can feel like a big decision, and some people feel unsure at first.

“We want to reassure everyone that if you or your loved one decides to have the vaccine, please don’t hesitate to contact your GP to book your appointment.”

For more info on on the vaccine visit: www.swlondonccg.nhs.uk and click on ‘Croydon’