Sadiq Khan has hailed the success of London’s vaccine programme and praised the incredible work of the NHS as more than 86 percent of adult Londoners have received their first dose.
Nearly two million vaccines have been given in the capital in the last month as the booster programme has been expanded and increasing numbers of Londoners have come forward for their first and second doses.
In total more than 3.6million Londoners have now received their booster.
However, the Mayor of London called for more Londoners to come forward and be vaccinated to help themselves and support the NHS – as it was announced that 200 Armed Forces personnel have been made available to support the NHS in London amid staff shortages due to COVID-19.
London has a younger, more mobile and diverse population, with a higher proportion of people who are not registered with a GP, but continues to lead the way as a global city in delivering the vaccine.
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Khan said: “I’m incredibly proud of the success of the vaccination programme across London. Our capital continues to lead the way as a global city delivering the vaccine, with more than 3.6m people receiving their booster, and more than 87 per cent of adult Londoners having had their first dose.
“It has been a monumental effort to vaccinate so many Londoners in such a short period of time, and we owe the NHS a huge debt of gratitude. I want to pay tribute to the work of the pharmacies, vaccination centres and pop-up clinics that have helped to reach millions of people across the capital.
“With COVID-19 rates still at record levels and the NHS under pressure, it’s vital that we continue to do all we can to vaccinate Londoners and ensure that as many people as possible step forward to receive their life-saving vaccine.
“I urge anyone who has not yet had their booster or is still waiting to take their first or second doses to book your appointment as soon as possible to help yourself, your loved ones and the NHS.
“It is never too late and you will be warmly welcomed by NHS staff. If you have any questions speak to medical professionals who will be able to explain the huge benefits of the vaccine.”
Mass vaccination pop-up clinics, walk-in pharmacies and 24-hour ‘jab-a-thon’ sessions have ensured that there have been more clinics delivering vaccines across the capital than at any point during the pandemic.
This included Redbridge Town Hall being the busiest site in England at Christmas with 904 vaccinations on Christmas Day and another 817 vaccinations on Boxing Day.
Professor Kevin Fenton, London Regional Director of Public Health, said: “I have been heartened by the immense response from Londoners in coming forward to get vaccinated to help control the current wave of Omicron infection.
“Every dose of vaccine given to an individual is a brick in our wall of protection and reduces the risk of severe disease and hospitalisation.
“You are up to eight times more likely to end up in hospital as a result of COVID-19 if you are unvaccinated. As case numbers are still very high throughout the city, I urge anyone who hasn’t yet had their first dose, second dose or booster to get vaccinated as soon as possible to ensure they are protected. The evidence is clear – vaccines save lives.”
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