Santa is given a boost on the National Elf Service

With a month to go till Christmas Eve, Santa Claus took time out from his packed pre-Christmas schedule to get his COVID-19 booster and flu vaccinations at St Thomas’ Hospital.

He visited the London hospital’s vaccine clinic by the River Thames and pulled down a scarlet sleeve for the Pfizer jab and annual flu vaccination.

In line with hospital rules, Santa wore a mask and came alone for his vaccination appointment, opting to leave the reindeer and elves back at his workshop.

He was vaccinated by Kaydeann, a student midwife who has been working with Guy’s and St Thomas’ vaccination programme since February 2021. She promised Santa she had been good all year.

Santa’s jabs means he should be as protected as possible against the viruses while he’s making his final festive preparations.

Mr Claus, age unknown, from the North Pole, said: “In my job, I have to be healthy and it’s vital that I keep all the children as safe as I can. I wanted to make sure I had my COVID-19 booster and flu jabs well ahead of the big day so I can deliver all the presents and help to bring smiles to everyone after such a hard year.

“If you’ve not yet had your jab, ho-ho-hop over to your nearest vaccine centre and they’ll be happy to help you.”

Dr Helene Brown, Medical Director for System Improvement and Professional Standards, and clinical lead for the London COVID-19 vaccination programme, said:
“It’s fantastic that Santa took time out of his busy schedule to get his all-important booster vaccination in time for Christmas, which has been shown to give excellent protection against COVID infection.

“Thanks to the massive ongoing effort from our NHS staff and volunteers across the capital – who surely will be on Santa’s nice list this year – the NHS is making great progress in protecting Londoners against COVID before the festive period begins, with more than 13 million life-saving vaccination doses delivered so far, including 1.5 million booster jabs.

“There are over 400 COVID-19 vaccination sites across London, so I encourage anyone eligible who hasn’t yet taken up the offer of the jab to come forward as soon as possible to protect themselves and their loved ones this Christmas.”

The COVID-19 booster vaccination is available to everyone over 40 years who has already had two doses of the vaccination. If you haven’t yet had your COVID-19 vaccination, you can make an appointment or drop in to centres across the country, including those at Guy’s Hospital and St Thomas’ Hospital.

For more information on how to get the vaccination and some frequently asked questions, go to https://www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/coronavirus/vaccination-coronavirus.aspx