Have you spotted our mobile Covid-19 vaccine van around Croydon? If you’re out walking, shopping or on your lunch break, our mobile vaccination van could just be around the corner.
Launched in April, the mobile vaccination van is a partnership between the NHS in South West London, Croydon Council and Croydon Health Services NHS Trust – a convenient pop-up site for anyone 18+ to get the Covid-19 vaccine.
Visiting multiple locations across the borough, the van not only offers vaccines, but also provides a safe space to ask any questions. So far the mobile team have administered over 1,000 Covid-19 vaccines around Croydon since launch.
Good progress has been made more broadly in Croydon to make sure residents have the best protection against Covid-19. Over 700,000 doses of the vaccine have been delivered, but there is still work to do.
It’s a good to see people coming to get their vaccines and to help protect their families and friends.”
Vasilis Tasho, Keep Croydon Safe Health Champion
Vasilis Tasho, Keep Croydon Safe Health Champion, said: “We want everyone in our community to be safe. We all play a part in this effort, and it’s a good achievement to see people coming to our vaccine van to get their vaccines and to help protect their families and friends.”
Data shows pockets of low vaccine uptake across the borough, particularly amongst Black and minority ethnic groups. There is a need to provide convenient access to the vaccine within a comfortable space and to discuss any hesitancy with residents openly and honestly in the heart of communities.
Supported by a team of Keep Croydon Safe Health Champions and NHS clinical staff, each day the vaccine van provides important engagement in low vaccine uptake areas to offer friendly words of support and to allay any fears about the vaccine. No appointment is needed, people can visit the van for their 1st, 2nd or booster dose of the vaccine as they go about their day.
Covid-19 vaccinations are still the best line of defence against serious illness.”
Rachel Flowers, Director of Public Health, Croydon Council
Rachel Flowers, Director of Public Health at Croydon Council, said: “It’s been amazing to see so many residents pop onto the vaccination van to speak to our team and to get vaccinated at a place that is convenient for them. Covid-19 vaccinations are still the best line of defence against serious illness – we recommend everyone who is eligible to come forward for their first dose and their boosters.”
Visiting churches, food festivals and shopping centres, the van has created the flexibility to set up the unit in high footfall areas to engage with people who may not wish to access more traditional clinical settings, such as travelling communities, people experiencing homelessness and unregistered residents. I has been crucial to reduce barriers and provide a safe space with no pressure and the van is helping to support this and reinforce the vaccine rollout.
Come and have a chat with us
It’s never too late for to get your 1st, 2nd or booster vaccine. If you’re unsure about getting vaccinated, simply pop down to the van for a chat with no pressure to get the jab.
Find out more
Get in touch if you would like any further information about the Croydon vaccination van.
