Updated Information from Rachel Flowers, Dr Agnelo Fernandes and Matthew Kershaw
Dear Partners,
We have made phenomenal progress in the Covid-19 vaccination programme but there is still a way to go, particularly at this time when new variants are spreading and cases are increasing across London. We are writing to let you know about some new activities to help support residents and increase uptake of Covid-19 vaccinations.
Over the next few days and weeks, we will be visiting some households across the borough to talk to residents about the Covid-19 vaccine.
As you will know uptake of the Covid-19 vaccine varies across our borough, and there are some areas with a significantly lower number of people protected from the virus than others. This coupled with increasing numbers of positive cases of the Delta variant means that it is now more important than ever to encourage people to get vaccinated.
In going door to door we hope to speak to people who are unsure about Covid-19 vaccinations, listen to their opinions and answer any questions they may have. We also know some people have faced practical issues around vaccination – such as difficulty finding a convenient appointment, using the internet to book, or getting to a vaccination site.
Working closely with our public health experts, target areas have been identified and we are planning our visits to coincide with local walk-in clinics so as to encourage people to get their vaccine that day. We are also engaging with the local neighbourhood teams and local police.
We respect personal choice about the vaccine, however, we want to make sure everyone has all the available information and support to make a booking.
Members of the NHS team will wear be wearing colourful tabards with a clear logo and will carry ID, which we will encourage people to check. We will also be dropping leaflets through doors before we visit to ensure everyone is aware our team is genuine. We will also ensure social distancing is observed at all times.
We would like to ask your help to spread the message that we are keen to answer any questions people have.
Best wishes,
Rachel Flowers
Director of Public Health
Matthew Kershaw
Place Based Leader for Health
Dr Agnelo Fernandes
GP Borough Lead for Croydon
