Publish date: 20 August 2021

After almost six months and more than 125,000 vaccinations the Islington Business Design Centre closes as a vaccination centre today (20 August 2021) with the last vaccination at 4pm .

Highlights include being the first centre in London to offer the Moderna vaccine, hosting a visit from the Prime Minister, a multi faith event by local faith leaders to encourage everyone to come forward to have the vaccination and a visit from the Mayor of Islington.

Acting CEO Tim Jaggard said “We would like to express our gratitude to the team at the Business Design Centre. They have gone the extra mile to ensure the vaccination centre was set up quickly and ran smoothly from day one. Nothing has been too much to ask and it is great to see the success of the vaccination programme enabling the centre to restart exhibitions and events safely at the Business Design Centre.”

Tim Jaggard also thanked all the volunteers and staff involved in the centre. He said: “A huge number of people made this centre a success. The dedication of the consenters, vaccinators, marshals, admin teams and volunteers has helped provide over 125,000 jabs. A massive thank you to you all.” 

BDC Chief Executive, Dominic Jones said, “It has been an honour to host the staff and volunteers working on the vaccination centre over the last months. In all our years of running events, the vaccination centre has been one of, if not the most important and will be a time in our lives that undoubtedly stays with us. It has been our greatest privilege to play our part in helping the country to protect themselves and I would like to thank all those who made the incredible vaccination programme possible.” 

The kindness of those involved in the centre was welcomed by people like Sherin Aminosshe who had her vaccinations at the Business Design Centre.

She said: “The BDC has always had a special place in my heart and the high ceilings and the light give such a feeling of hope and elation. I knew I just had to draw it. If there was a website for vaccine centre reviews, yours would be at the very top for me”.

Vaccine Centre - BDC - colour.jpg The BDC by Sherin Aminosshe, you can veiw more of her pictures on twitter, @ArchiDame

The vaccination programme continues with new centres opening later this month. You can book your appointment online: www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/ or by calling NHS 119 and you can find out about walk-in centres in north central London here.