Vaccine mural unveiled in New Cross

Lewisham Council’s Public Health team have been working with local GP surgeries on the vaccine roll out, with surgeries working on new and innovative ways to support their local community with information and support regarding the COVID-19 vaccine.

In collaboration with Lewisham Council and the Waldron Health centre, Lewisham artists Damian Simon and VaneMG have created a colourful mural celebrating the roll out of the vaccination to encourage others to come forward with confidence.

The artwork features modern typography and images by Lewisham-born artist Damian Simon, and a colourful nature-themed mural with quotes about the vaccine experience from Lewisham residents in English and Spanish by VaneMG. VaneMG is a multidisciplinary artist and designer from Colombia who is now a Lewisham resident. Find out more about Damian Simon on his gallery website.

Find out more about VaneMG on her website.

The artwork has been unveiled in the lead-up to Lewisham’s London Borough of Culture year, 2022 – an award given by the Mayor of London to shine a light on culture at the heart of local neighbourhoods.

Sharing experiences of the vaccination is an important way of building confidence throughout the community. Patients and staff are thrilled with the colourful 10m x 3m mural and are taking photos and sharing on social media using the hashtag #WeAreLewisham.

Dr Sebastian Kalwij, GP at Waldron Health Centre, said:

“It has been great to get local artists involved in raising vaccine awareness amongst our patients. Nothing gets people talking more than a colourful mural, and the opportunity for a selfie after the vaccination is a great way for patients to share their positive experience of having been given their vaccine.”

A patient at the Centre said after receiving their vaccine:

“I feel so much safer now. I can’t believe how efficient this vaccination clinic is. Everybody made me feel so comfortable, the volunteers and staff were absolutely fab! I was in and out within 10 minutes. Such a great experience.”

Each day as more people are vaccinated in Lewisham, we reduce the risk the virus poses to ourselves, our loved ones and the most vulnerable in our community.

The Waldron Health Centre vaccination clinic is by appointment only. You can arrange an appointment via your own GP.

Clinic times varies from week to week, depending on vaccine delivery. Find out more information about COVID-19 vaccinations.