Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

NHS ‘grab a jab’ weekend in final drive to boost vaccine uptake

To maximise protection before Covid restrictions are lifted, the NHS staff will be jabbing at the Tate Modern art gallery on London’s Bankside this evening where DJ and influencer Zoe London will also be performing.

With hot weather forecast for the weekend, pop-up clinics will be running in all Commons across South West London, Greenwich parks in London and Liverpool’s Sefton Park.


Shoppers will be able to grab-a-jab at the Trinity Retail Centre in Leeds and Primark in Broadmead Shopping Centre in Bristol. Any adult will be able to turn up and get their first vaccine if they have not already taken up the offer.

The British Open golfing championship in Sandwich, Kent, is also joining the push with a GP-led clinic dubbed the ‘vaccine caddies’ offering a dose to eligible to golfers, caddies, staff and the 30,000 spectators expected daily.

NHS staff and volunteers will also attend Oval cricket ground this weekend where people can get vaccinated.

The online web tool that allows people to find their nearest centre by simply entering their postcode will be updated from today (July 16), making it easier than ever to get a jab in the arm.

Over 68 million vaccinations have been delivered by the NHS in England since making history when Margaret Keenan received the first jab outside of a clinical trial in Coventry, in December 2020.

GP, NHS medical director for primary care, and deputy SRO for the vaccine programme, Dr Nikki Kanani, said, “From high street shops to mosques and sports grounds, our incredible staff together with our wonderful volunteers are doing all they can to make sure it is easier than ever for people, particularly young adults to get protected.

“We have made phenomenal progress so far, as part of the biggest and fastest vaccination programme in our history with more than half of people aged 18-29 have already had their first vaccine and over 29 million adults have received vital protection.

“As we approach 19 July, there has never been a more important time to get your first vaccine, it not only protects you and your family but also your friends and those around you.

“So while you’re out enjoying the glorious weather we are expecting this weekend, do your bit and ‘grab a jab’ too.”

Health and Social Care Secretary, Sajid Javid, said, “This sunny weekend – whether you’re out shopping, enjoying a picnic in the park, or playing sports – our vaccine pop-up sites across the country are near you and it has never been easier to grab a jab.

“Our vaccination programme is saving lives and preventing millions of infections by building a huge vaccine wall of defence, allowing us to cautiously ease restrictions and get closer to normal life.

“We all have a part to play in defeating this virus, so I urge you to do one life-saving thing this weekend and get your jab to protect not only yourself, but your loved ones too.”

Vaccines Minister, Nadhim Zahawi, said, “Whether you are spending this weekend listening to live music, watching sport or soaking up the sun, our phenomenal NHS staff will be offering pop-up clinics close by, making it quick and simple to get vaccinated.”

Over one third of all walk-in appointments that weekend were people from an ethnic minority background and nearly half of people aged 30-39, the third largest age group in the country, were jabbed with a walk-in appointment.

Second doses are also available to people who had their first dose eight weeks ago or longer, in line with JCVI guidance.

So far, the NHS Vaccination Programme, the biggest in health service history and fastest in Europe, has jabbed over 38 million people across the country – more than 85 per cent of all adults.

Anyone aged 18 or over are being urged to visit their nearest walk-in centre this weekend or book their appointment on the National Booking Service website.

People who attend a walk-in clinic for their first dose will have their vaccination record updated online and will then be able to book in their second dose appointment using the national booking system.

Earlier this week the NHS sent out 650,000 texts encouraging people to get jabbed eight weeks after their first dose in line with JCVI guidance.

More For You

Beware of wage theft: PDA warns locums

Booking terms should clearly outline not only the dates of work, shift times, and rate of pay but also the required notice period

Getty Images

PDA warns locum pharmacists of ‘wage theft’ risk

The Pharmacists' Defence Association (PDA) has advised locum pharmacists to check booking terms carefully before accepting shifts, warning of the risk of ‘wage theft’ and delayed payments.

According to the union, locum members have reported being owed significant unpaid fees for services provided, with some pharmacists claiming debts exceeding £20,000."

Keep ReadingShow less
UK "medicines market is fundamentally broken

Drug manufacturers have seen a sharp rise in the money they have to pay the NHS

Pic credit: iStock

UK "medicines market is fundamentally broken,” says industry leadership group

The UK government have been accused of putting off investors in drug manufacturing over the “unsustainable levy” companies are having to pay the NHS.

Industry leaders have warned that the government’s growth plan will not succeed unless ministers commit to fixing a scheme which now requires companies to make record payments up to a quarter to a third (23.5 per cent-35.6 per cent) of a company’s revenue from sales of branded medicines to the NHS.

Keep ReadingShow less
Listeria outbreak: Cool Delight Desserts products removed from health care setting

The bacteria were detected in chocolate and vanilla and strawberry and vanilla flavoured mousse.

Cool Delight Desserts

3 deaths linked to listeria outbreak; NHS staff advised to withdraw Cool Delight Desserts products

NHS staff have been advised to remove all Cool Delight Desserts products from service and sales as a precautionary measure following the death of three people linked to a listeria outbreak.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Food Standards Agency (FSA) are investigating five cases of Listeria monocytogenes infection linked to the same strain of bacteria found in mousses supplied to NHS hospitals and care homes.

Keep ReadingShow less
Impact of National Insurance rise on community pharmacies.

Pharmacies are faced with higher NI payments

Pic credit: Istock

Pharmacies to pay higher national insurance contributions after MPs refuse to back amendments to bill


Community pharmacies are faced with paying the higher rate of national insurance contributions that come into force next month after MPs on Wednesday (19) rejected amendments to a bill that was approved by the House of Lords.

Keep ReadingShow less
Novo Nordisk regains ABPI membership after two-year suspension

Novo Nordisk was suspended in March 2023 for sponsoring pharmacy weight management training courses.

Image Credit: Novo Nordisk

Novo Nordisk’s ABPI suspension lifted after two years

Novo Nordisk has regained full membership of the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) after a two-year suspension due to serious breaches of the ABPI Code of Practice.

The reinstatement follows rigorous audits of the company’s compliance procedures and governance by the Prescription Medicines Code of Practice Authority (PMCPA).

Keep ReadingShow less