*Please read booking information at the end of this article*

A pop-up Covid-19 vaccination clinic was held at a mosque in Sherwood in Nottingham City today to encourage eligible members from the local community to get their vaccine.

Vaccinations were delivered from the AlQuba Mosque – FiveWays Centre on Edwards Lane to anyone currently eligible for vaccination including those over 65, Clinically Extremely Vulnerable, Clinically Vulnerable and carers.

Nationally, data has shown that vaccination uptake is lower amongst black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities. Local intelligence from communities has also indicated vaccination uptake is low amongst Muslim communities. Experiences from earlier stages of the pandemic also show that Covid-19 has disproportionately affected BAME groups.

The aim of the clinic was to encourage uptake amongst the community in a setting they may feel is more familiar and comfortable for them to attend.

A second vaccination clinic will be set up at the As-Shifa Mosque (part of the Karimia Institue) in Bobbers Mill next week.

Mosque-led vaccination clinics will operate as part of a “roving model” and clinics will alternate between both mosques on a weekly basis and as and when required, depending on uptake.

Work is currently underway to explore where else to establish targeted vaccination clinics in our city and county.

Dr Shahid Amin, a GP at St Luke’s Surgery who has played a key role in setting up the mosque vaccination clinics, said: “The clinic today has gone really well and it’s been fantastic to see members of the local community come to the mosque for their vaccination.

“Covid-19 has disproportionately affected those from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds. It is really important anyone eligible for their vaccination has it to help protect themselves and their loved ones against Covid-19.

“We know there is vaccine hesitancy and misinformation amongst our ethnic minority communities. Anything we can do to encourage vaccination amongst communities where uptake is lower is really important. We hope that the mosque-led clinics will provide a more familiar setting for people and encourage them to come forward.

“I would like to thank AlQuba Mosque – FiveWays Centre and As-Shifa Mosque for being involved in this really significant piece of work and helping to spread the word.”

Alison Challenger, Director of Public Health in Nottingham, said: “We know that vaccination uptake has been lower in our black, Asian and minority ethnic communities in Nottingham, so it is important that we take action to address this.

“I’m pleased that today’s pop-up vaccination centre at the mosque has been well-attended and I look forward to exploring how else we can reach people within our communities.

“The Covid-19 vaccination is our only path out of this pandemic. It is vital that everyone comes forward for their vaccination when they are eligible.”

Anyone eligible can be vaccinated at AlQuba Mosque – FiveWays Centre or As-Shifa Mosque by booking via the links below or calling the booking line 0115 883 4640 between 8am – 8pm (Mon – Fri) or 9am – 5pm (Sat-Sun).

Al-Quba Mosque – FiveWays Centre (Sherwood): Book here.
As-Shifa Mosque (Bobbers Mill): Book here.