THE number of jabs given in London has fallen to a new low despite pausing the ending of lockdown to increase the vaccination rate.
A total of 42,518 doses were given on Sunday, the lowest number since the Prime Minister’s decision a fortnight ago to delay the so-called “freedom day” from June 21 to July 19.
Sunday’s figures were also the lowest number of jabs administered in the capital this month, according to NHS England data.
This is despite mass vaccination walk-in events at Arsenal and the Science Museum being used to encourage younger Londoners to come forward.
Second jabs were reportedly being given at these venues to people who had their first jab only, three weeks earlier in a bid to use up the vaccines. Islington council had to halt walk-in appointments at Arsenal on Monday night due to the number of people queuing.
London needs to give 2,876,112 more first and second jabs to meet the Government’s nationwide aim of offering the first dose to all over 18s and double-jabbing two-thirds of adults by July 19.
NHS London said half of 18-29 year-olds in London have already had at least one dose, and “tens of thousands” have an appointment booked.
Dr Vin Diwakar, medical director for the NHS in London, said: “It is just as important to get vaccinated now as it was on day one of the vaccine being offered, and it has never been easier to walk in and grab your jab while you are out and about in London…”
