People across London can now walk into one of over 100 high street pharmacies to get their first or second Covid-19 vaccine, making it easier than ever to grab a jab close to home.

London’s new walk-in pharmacy services are part of a national drive to increase the availability of Covid-19 vaccinations to its population.  Being able to walk into a local pharmacist at a time that suits Londoners makes it even more convenient to get a vaccination.

No ID, GP registration, or proof of address are required at walk in services – making it an attractive option for those that are not able to book online, or who don’t have a fixed address.

Pharmacists and their teams are qualified vaccinators, trained in first aid and can support and advise patients through the quick and painless Covid-19 jab process.

Dr Vin Diwakar, Medical Director for the NHS in London said:

“High street pharmacies are the front door to the NHS, so it is great news that thousands of Londoners can now grab a jab at their local store – making it as easy to get a Covid-19 vaccine as it is collecting over the counter medicine.

“Getting both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine is the safest, most effective way to protect yourself and others from this virus, so if you’re over 18 and haven’t had your first jab or it is 8 weeks since your first jab, walk or book in to your local vaccination site today and let’s get London back to normal.”

Hiran Patel, lead pharmacist at Parkview Pharmacy in Enfield, started offering Covid-19 vaccinations in January and has since provided over 25,000 vaccinations to local residents.  Parkview offers walk in appointments for both the Oxford-AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines.  He said:

“I’m really pleased to be able to offer walk in vaccinations to my local residents. To date, we have vaccinated over 700 people who walked in without booking an appointment.

“Since offering walk in appointments we have seen a 30% increase in vaccinations and many of our patients come in after hearing about the walk in service from a friend or family member.  We’re really proud to be able to reassure people who might be anxious about getting the vaccine.”

Most pharmacies will offer first and second dose AstraZeneca, which is suitable for over 40s, with a number starting to offer Pfizer which is suitable for under 40s and pregnant women.

A list of pharmacies and other sites offering walk-in services is available online: https://www.england.nhs.uk/london/our-work/covid-19-vaccination-programme-2/covid-19-vaccine-sites-in-london/

You can also book a jab online at www.nhs.uk, by calling 119 or you can walk-in to other local services.