Initial findings of Healthwatch Lewisham’sCOVID-19 Vaccination Survey

Healthwatch Lewisham is carrying out a research project to collect the experiences of Lewisham residents when receiving their vaccination so that local services understand what is working and what can be improved. The project will also look to identify the reasons which encouraged hesitant residents to book their appointments.

These initial findings are drawn from 273 responses to the Healthwatch Lewisham COVID-19 Vaccination survey received between 1 February and 29 March 2021.

• 10% of people who responded to this survey were hesitant about being vaccinated.
• An overwhelming majority of respondents had positive experiences of receiving their first COVID-19 vaccination across the different vaccination hubs in Lewisham
• Respondents who were hesitant about being vaccinated primarily booked appointments in order to protect themselves or others from COVID-19
• Staff across the services were friendly, helpful and professional
• The support of volunteers enabled a well-organised process at the vaccination hubs
• Respondents felt there needs to be better signage for the vaccination hub at University Hospital Lewisham
• Some respondents felt that cramped conditions within certain primary care-based hubs made it difficult to socially distance
• Respondents attending primary care-based hubs would value receiving more information about their second vaccination appointments
• The majority of respondents shared their gratitude to NHS staff, volunteers and the local system for a well-managed vaccination programme