Primark’s Oxford Street and Wood Green changing rooms to turn into pop-up Covid jab clinics this weekend
Primark changing rooms at two London stores will become vaccination clinics this bank holiday weekend.
Shoppers can turn up without an appointment and get a first or second dose of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine, NHS England said.
The popular clothing chain store has partnered with the NHS, Haringey Council and Westminster City Council to host its first Covid-19 vaccination clinics in the capital.
The jabs will be on offer to anyone aged 16 and over at the Oxford Street East and Wood Green Primark stores on Saturday.
Health professionals will be on hand to talk to anyone with concerns, and people are reminded that second doses will only be given a minimum of eight weeks after the first.
The move comes as efforts continue to get more young people vaccinated.
The latest analysis shows that more than a third of young adults in most cities in England have not had a first dose of a Covid vaccine.
Dr Vin Diwakar, medical director for the NHS in London, urged people to “add this very important item to the top of their shopping list – get vaccinated”.
He said: “It is fantastic that over a million young Londoners have had the vaccine, but it is vital that all get vaccinated to protect themselves from the harm coronavirus can cause even at their young age, as well as preventing transmission to more vulnerable friends and family.”
Kari Rodgers, UK retail director for Primark, said pop-up clinics have worked well in other stores.
“Following the success of the vaccination clinics in our stores in Bristol and Birmingham, we’re pleased to be able to offer people in London the opportunity to get their vaccine this weekend at our Wood Green and Oxford Street (East) store,” she said.
“Wherever we can, we try to support important local community initiatives and we’re really pleased that we can play a small part in supporting the work of the NHS by making it even easier for people to get their vaccine.”
Pam Luxon, a midwife at North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust and clinical lead for the Wood Green clinic, said: “Covid-19 has not disappeared, despite restrictions being relaxed. Infections are on the rise, putting more people at risk, especially if they haven’t been vaccinated.
“The vaccines are proven to significantly reduce the chances of becoming seriously ill from the virus, or worse.
“So, while you’re shopping this bank holiday weekend, pop along to this clinic and help save lives too by getting your Covid vaccine to protect yourself and others.”
– Jabs will be on offer at Primark’s Oxford Street East store on Friday and Saturday between midday and 5pm, and at the Wood Green branch on Saturday between 10am and 6pm.