GPs from Queens Road Surgery and the Lister Practice are holding a pop-up vaccination clinic at Peckham Islamic Centre in Choumert Grove this Saturday (March 27).
Anyone aged 50 and above, or over eighteen and in one of the ‘at risk’ groups can attend.
The pop up is walk-in with no appointments necessary, and open to all eligible groups regardless of faith or membership of the Islamic Centre.
Umar Elahi, founding trustee, Peckham Islamic Centre, called on people to take up this opportunity to take the vaccine.
He said: “COVID-19 vaccinations do not contain pork or any other animal products. They are halal, kosher and vegan friendly.
“All the vaccinations are safe and effective, so please take the vaccination that you are offered.
“You have a duty to protect yourselves and your families, so please accept the vaccination when offered and encourage your friends and family to do so as well.”
Dr Nancy Küchemann, GP and member of NHS South East London Clinical Commissioning Group’s governing body, who has been working on Southwark’s vaccination programme since December, said: “The NHS and community partners have been working hard with local residents to be able to provide facts about the vaccine and to reassure people that it is safe and effective.
“It’s fantastic that everyone has come together to provide a clinic in the Mosque which will boost the local effort and reassure community members who may still be thinking about accepting their vaccine.
“We are delighted that South London Islamic Centre has opened their doors in such a welcoming way and this is a tribute to the strength of our local partnerships in Southwark”.
Dr Abbasi, clinical lead and GP on site, said: “The COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective.
“All vaccines approved for use in the UK must meet strict standards of safety, quality, and effectiveness. The COVID-19 vaccine gives you the best protection against COVID-19.
“Although vaccines are being administered to millions of people across the country, COVID-19 is still among us and infectious.
“The risk of catching COVID-19 is the same as ever for people who are not vaccinated so please take up this offer to protect yourself from the severe effects of COVID-19 like I have.”
Cllr Evelyn Akoto, cabinet member for public health and community safety, said: “I’m delighted that we will be holding Southwark’s first vaccine popup at the Peckham Islamic Centre this weekend.
“We are working closely with NHS colleagues to bring the vaccine into the community, and the places that people trust.
“We hope this will be the first of many popups locally, and I would urge anyone aged 50+ who hasn’t had their first jab yet to head down there on Saturday afternoon.
“The vaccine gives us the best chance of putting COVID-19 behind us, and it could save your life.”
The clinic will run from 1.45pm to 5pm at 12 Choumert Grove, Peckham, London SE15 4PD.
For more information on the COVID-19 vaccination programme, including in multiple language, visit: www.southwark.gov.uk/health-and-wellbeing/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccination