Vaccine Take Up Stalls in Hammersmith and Fulham


Less than half of younger age groups have had the jab


Reluctance to take the jab believed to be contributing to borough's high infection rate

Hammersmith and Fulham has recorded just 45 coronavirus vaccinations in a single day.

The borough has seen the number of people turning up to get a vaccine drop significantly despite still having the highest infection rate of any borough in London. In the week to 14 August there were 360 cases reported per 100,000 population.

Other boroughs often see hundreds of jabs given out each day with neighbouring borough Ealing giving out around 200 jabs each day, according to Public Health England (PHE).

According to PHE, just 58.8 percent of Hammersmith and Fulham residents have had their first dose of the vaccine, 20 per cent lower than the national average, 78.7 per cent.

Residents aged between 30 and 44 have particularly low vaccination rates in Hammersmith and Fulham.

There are 125,480 people who have had their first dose of the vaccine in Hammersmith and Fulham while 103,769 have had their second dose, making up 48.6 per cent of healthcare users.

Although the vaccine has been taken up in older demographics in the borough – half of the residents aged under 44 have not had the vaccine according to PHE.

Just 46.2 per cent of residents aged between 35 and 39 have taken the vaccine in the borough and 48.9 per cent of residents aged between 30 and 34.

The number of people taking up the vaccine in the borough has continued to decline since 19 June.

Just 45 people received a Covid jab in the borough on 15 August 15 according to Public Health England compared to 1,857 residents on 18 June.

The low rates of vaccination turnout come as the borough begins vaccinating residents aged 16 and 17 in the borough this weekend (21 August).

Hammersmith and Fulham Council has set up four vaccination hubs at pharmacies to help encourage people in the area to be jabbed.

Anyone can just walk in and receive a vaccine at Hamlins Pharmacy, Kanari Pharmacy, Marcus Jones Pharmacy, and Parmay Pharmacy.

Avni Patel, pharmacist at the Marcus Jones Pharmacy in Old Oak Common Lane, said, “Your local pharmacy is a great place to walk in and get your first or second vaccination. It’s quick and easy – you can do it while picking up a prescription or other items. And families can get vaccinated together.”

If you’re unsure about getting a vaccine, you can ask your local pharmacist or GP for their advice and discuss your medical history.

Jacob Phillips - Local Democracy Reporter

August 22, 2021