The Centrale Shopping Centre in Croydon has become the latest vaccination centre to open in the borough.

The news arrived via the NHS's south west London Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), who said the site will play a "key" role in the ongoing struggle against Covid-19.

The NHS group said that "a large area on the upper level – near to Starbucks – will be used to ensure the jabs can be delivered safely and efficiently by NHS staff and volunteers while also allowing social distancing to be maintained".

"The shopping centre enjoys excellent public transport links and people with an appointment whilst lockdown measures continue, will receive up to one hour of free parking in Centrale’s car park," a spokesperson for the south west CCG said.

Authorities in the borough hope the site, with its central location and strong transport links, will help with the continued ramping up of the vaccination drive in the UK, with over 20 million people receiving at least one dose of a vaccine against coronavirus.

Surrey Comet: Vaccinations at the site are already underway. Image: SW London CCGVaccinations at the site are already underway. Image: SW London CCG

Dr Agnelo Fernandes, GP Borough Lead for Croydon, praised the opening of the centre.

"Good transport links, nearby parking and a town centre location make this a great place for our latest vaccination centre – the Centrale team has done us proud," he said.

"Along with other sites across South West London, Centrale will be play its part in giving as many people as possible the Covid-19 jab in the coming weeks and months which will help to bring this virus under control.

"The vaccine is safe, simple and will offer you and those around you crucial protection against Covid-19.

"However, if you are still unsure about having it talk to your GP or look on NHS.uk for the facts about the vaccine," Dr Fernandes added.

Centrale’s General Manager Jo Bailey meanwhile expressed her team's feelings as the vaccination centre opened.

"We are delighted to have been working with NHS Croydon on this project," she said.

"The past year has been an extremely challenging time for so many people, and we’re all looking forward to getting back to some kind of normal."

The centre is being operated by appointment only. Only people who are eligible can get a Covid-19 jab:

  • people aged 55 and over
  • people at high risk from coronavirus (clinically extremely vulnerable)
  • people who live or work in care homes
  • health and social care workers
  • people with a condition that puts them at higher risk (clinically vulnerable)
  • people with a learning disability
  • people who are a main carer for someone at high risk from coronavirus

For information on vaccinating against Covid-19 with the NHS, click here.