Published: Tuesday 9 March 2021
The Science Museum will be opening later this week as a Covid-19 Vaccination Centre. This historic venue brings home what the vaccination programme is all about, science.
The site will be able to deliver thousands of the lifesaving jabs each week and offers an alternative to the GP and pharmacy-led services that are already set up in the borough.
The NHS will be focussing on the latest priority groups, people aged 56 and over and people at higher risk from coronavirus at the vaccination centre.
Councillor Cem Kemahli, Kensington and Chelsea’s Lead Member for Public Health, said:
“The Science Museum is an iconic landmark in the borough and it is fitting that it is opening as a large vaccination centre to help combat this pandemic. I know many residents are keen to be vaccinated to not only protect themselves, but also reduce the risk to others and help us out of the pandemic.”
Pippa Nightingale NW London lead for the vaccination programme, added:
“I am really excited that we have been able to use the Science Museum in the vaccination programme. The vaccine is a remarkable feat of science and our main way of seeing an end to the pandemic. Our vaccination teams look forward to welcoming and vaccinating local people here.”
Sir Ian Blatchford, Director of the Science Museum, welcomed the opening, saying:
“It’s wonderful to see part of the Science Museum repurposed for this country's most pressing task in a generation, vaccinating the adult population. Uniquely, our museum can both tell the story of how vaccination has saved millions of lives, and also play a part in ensuring vaccines protect the nation from Covid-19. It is an extraordinary sensation to be collecting and living history all at once.”
Invite letters will explain how people can book a slot over the phone or online through the national booking service, and the NHS is reminding people they cannot use the vaccination centre without an appointment.
People attending the vaccination centre will be helped by marshals who will be on hand. Bookings are staggered to allow social distancing and please don’t arrive until five minutes before your appointment time.
Whether you have had a vaccine yet or not, please continue to follow all the guidance to control the virus and save lives – that means following the hands, face, space guidance