Thousands expected to attend walk-in Twickenham vaccine centre

A member of the public receives a coronavirus vaccination at Twickenham rugby stadium
PA Wire

Londoners are expected to turn up in their droves at at a rugby-themed walk-in vaccination centre on Monday.

Twickenham Stadium is hosting a vaccine service for residents of north west London who are eligible for their vaccine.

It comes after thousands of people descended on Chinatown last week after a council promised Covid jabs with no appointment, NHS number or ID.

Crowds gathered outside a barber shop following an advert posted on the Chinese Information and Advice Centre charity’s website saying “undocumented migrants” were welcome to get a jab at the specially appointed bus.

On Monday in Twickenham, people can book or simply turn up to get a jab between 10am and 8pm with 15,000 vaccinations ready to be administered on the day.

It is hoped the operation will give locals their first dose of the vaccine without delay as the spread of the Indian Covid variant threatens to derail plans to reopen the country on June 21.

England Rugby Football Union is supporting the initiative which was launched in response to an increase in the number of coronavirus cases in the area.

Local NHS staff are organising the event in partnership with Hounslow Council.

"We know we are finally due some lovely weather on Monday but if you are eligible and you haven't had your vaccine yet, we encourage you to take some time out of your day and come and see us,” said Pippa Nightingale, chief nurse of north west London.

All over-50s are set to have had both doses by that date under a target set out by vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi, although it takes time for the full protection to kick in.

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