As England prepares today to defend their place in the UEFA European Championship final, London’s clinicians are calling for football fans to also support the country’s defence against coronavirus – by getting the vaccine. 

Hundreds of vaccination centres are open again this week for Londoners to take their shot. Many walk-in vaccination sites are open until late, so there’s plenty of time to get the jab and be home in time for kick-off.

The call to get vaccinated comes as London NHS data shows that uptake of the first dose of the vaccine amongst men between the ages of 18 and 44 in London is almost 8 per cent less than in women of the same age.

Men in the capital aged 35 to 39 are also more than 10 per cent less likely to get the jab than the average male in England, so London clinicians are urging those not yet vaccinated to book an appointment or walk into their local vaccination site.

Martin Machray, Joint Chief Nurse for the NHS in London, said: 

“We’re calling on all those who haven’t been vaccinated to come forward to protect themselves and their families against this terrible virus, which still threatens to stop us from doing the things that we love. 

“Vaccines are the way out of this pandemic so get your jab to make sure that it’s football coming home – not Covid.” 

Nearly 5.4 million people in London have had the lifesaving coronavirus jab so far, with more than 7 in 10 adults having had their first dose, and over 3.6 million second doses administered.

Second doses are also available for all those aged over 18, as long as it has been eight weeks since the first dose. This offers the best protection against the serious effects of Covid-19.

Adults in London can find their nearest Covid-19 vaccination service online: https://www.england.nhs.uk/london/our-work/covid-19-vaccination-programme-2/covid-19-vaccine-sites-in-london/ To visit a walk-in clinic, you do not need to be registered with a GP, show proof of address or ID.

You can also call 119 or visit the national booking service to book an appointment at a local vaccination centre or pharmacy.

People aged 39 and under who are eligible and pregnant women will be offered the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine in line with JCVI guidance.