COMMUNITY leaders are urging Southampton’s over 25s to sign up to get their first vaccine at a pop-up clinic this weekend.

This Saturday, a pop-up Covid-19 vaccine clinic is set to take place from 9am at Mercy Revival Centre in Shirley.

The centre has confirmed that anyone over the age of 25 who has not yet had their vaccine can book for the clinic.

Over-18s who receive a text inviting them for a vaccination will also be able to attend the clinic.

Now community leaders are urging the city’s younger residents to take advantage of the opportunity and sign up.

Ward councillor for Shirley, Councillor Satvir Kaur, said: “It is great to see Southampton’s faith communities playing their part in getting Southampton vaccinated. Alongside Churches, I know local mosques and gurudwaras have also opened their doors to encourage people to get their vaccine.

“Having personally volunteered at one of these pop-up clinics myself, I have seen first-hand the amazing job the NHS do to ensure it runs efficiently as possible.

"The best way we can beat Covid is by protecting ourselves through getting vaccinated, so I would encourage those in Shirley and beyond to take advantage of these pop-up clinics in your local areas.”

This is understood to be one of the first opportunities in the city for the younger age group to be vaccinated if they do not fall into a vulnerable category.

Alan Whitehead, Southampton Test MP, said: “It sounds like a really good idea. One of the issues with the vaccine rollout so far, certainly in Southampton, has been that it’s been run by a culmination of large NHS mega clinics which then work through the cohorts very precisely.

“So you’ve now got a lot less focussed population left to get vaccinated and getting people to come on a less formal basis under their own arrangements sounds like a good way to move forward. I would encourage anyone to make use of the opportunity.”

MP for Southampton Itchen, Royston Smith, added: “It is excellent news that there is the opportunity for people as young as 18 to get their first dose of the vaccine in Southampton.

“The NHS is currently ahead of schedule of its target for all adults to have their first jab which is encouraging.

“Younger people should jump at the chance to get a vaccination, every jab that is delivered is a step in the right direction, will protect people around us and allow for life to return to normality."

Bookings are being taken between 9am and 5pm and will close at the end of the day on Thursday.

More information can be found at https://www.godsmercy.org.uk/.

NOTE: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that anyone over 18 could sign up for a vaccination. Further information has been provided which clarifies that only residents over 25 can proactively book a vaccine, whereas over 18s must wait for a text.