Chipping Barnet MP Theresa Villiers has praised a local Covid vaccination centre for its efficiency after hearing it has immunised more than 12,000 people.
Theresa went to the Wentworth Medical Practice in Finchley, just outside her constituency, on Friday to see how the vaccine programme was going.
Many of her constituents have been getting their vaccinations there and she was shown around by Dr Anuj Patel, who is a GP Principal at the practice.
The vaccinations are being given in a marquee in the practice’s garden and Theresa was able to meet staff, volunteers and members of the public getting their jab.
Dr Patel told Theresa that excellent progress was being made vaccinating the four priority groups and care homes for people with learning disabilities were now being contacted to have the vaccination.
They also discussed the importance of encouraging people from BAME communities to have the injection. Some groups have been targeted with fake news videos and false claims on social media.
“I would like to thank everyone at Wentworth - they doing a tremendous job vaccinating our community and making sure lives are saved” said Theresa.
“I was really impressed with how efficient and organised the programme is. It was great to meet people who were keen to get the jab and relieved that they will soon be protected.
“In a diverse borough like Barnet, it is especially important that we give confidence to BAME communities about the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine. I'd encourage anyone with doubts to go to the NHS website to get the facts and ignore misinformed social media posts from sources you can't verify.
“We are doing really well with the vaccine programme, not just in Barnet but across the country, and there are early signs it is beginning to work. It is such a relief that all elderly care home residents in the borough have been offered the jab and now other priority groups will be contacted to come forward in the coming weeks.
“So far, Wentworth has vaccinated 12,500 people and it will give a further 6,500 jabs in the next 12 days. This is making a difference.”
