Thousands had Covid-19 jab at Emirates Stadium vaccine event - and you can still get a jab near you in Islington

The world-famous home of Arsenal FC was transformed into a busy vaccine clinic for #GunnerGetJabbed, which ran for four days from Friday, 25 June to Monday, 28 June, with free stadium tours on offer to everyone getting a jab.      

Run in partnership by Islington Council, Islington GP Federation and Arsenal Football Club, the event was made possible by the hard work and selfless efforts of hundreds of volunteers and staff.   

It is thanks to their efforts that so many people were able to get protected against the virus, with an average of one jab being delivered every 20 seconds while the pop-up was open.    

The Emirates Stadium mass pop-up Covid-19 clinic is now closed, but there are plenty of options available for people who need a jab in Islington.  

Through the National Booking System you can book your own vaccine appointment at: 

• The Business Design Centre, 52 Upper Street, N1 0QH      
• The Arc Centre, St Paul Street N1 7DF  
• Well Pharmacy, Junction Road, N19 5QT  

Your GP may also book you an appointment at: 

• Bingfield Primary Care Centre, 8 Bingfield Street, N1 0AL      
• Hanley Primary Care Centre, 51 Hanley Road, N4 3DU      

In addition, the council has teamed up with local NHS partners and University College Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to make it easier for people to get an appointment for their first dose, by providing local community pop-up clinics throughout June and July.     

Further details on walk-in vaccination clinics in Islington and in nearby boroughs can be found here.  

Jonathan O’Sullivan, Islington Council’s Acting Director for Public Health, said: “We are extremely grateful to the dedicated team of volunteers and staff, who made it possible for thousands of people to get their jabs at the Emirates Stadium pop-up clinic.           

“We have been able to get through the pandemic so far because we are all Islington, and because at difficult times we come together to pull through.  These four days have been the perfect example of that, with volunteers from across the borough working together to help get so many people vaccinated.  

“The vaccination is the best way to protect yourself, your loved ones, and our communities against Covid-19, and every jab is another step towards life returning to normality.     

“We are continuing to do everything we can to ensure that people across Islington are able to get protected against the virus, and would urge anyone who is eligible and has yet to be vaccinated to book their appointment today.”       

Linzi Roberts-Egan, Chief Executive of Islington Council, said: “I would like to thank every volunteer, member of our staff, and councillor that made this event possible. We also know that the event would not have been possible without our wonderful partnership with the Islington GP Federation, North Central London CCG, and Arsenal Football Club.  

“To have vaccinated so many people in such a short time is nothing short of incredible, and it was such a slick, well-organised event with an amazing buzz from the crowd.    

“It’s so important that we all continue to do our bit to keep one another safe during the pandemic, and the vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones."  

Mike Clowes, CEO, Islington GP Federation, said: “This event has been a complex and impressive achievement, delivered by hundreds of staff and volunteers, who were motivated by the urgency and importance of the task. The gratitude of thousands of people has kept them going over four long days.   

“The commitment of a core team from multiple organisations made it possible from a standing start in under two weeks. Islington GP Federation is proud to have been core to that partnership – the levels of trust, shared purpose and operational capability established this weekend have strengthened Islington’s ongoing commitment to providing the very best joined-up and equitable health and social care to all its residents.”