Easy read leaflet titled ‘A guide to your COVID-19 vaccination’, from the Science Museum NHS COVID-19 vaccination centre, 2021

Having independent access to public health information is always important, but particularly during a situation that is as changeable as a pandemic. The Equalities Act 2010 states that providing a variety of alternative accessible formats for leaflets and posters is a reasonable adjustment that can be provided to and for disabled people. Easy read and simple text leaflets are designed to be accessible for people who have difficulty with reading in English. Information is conveyed mostly through pictures and very simple language.

The leaflet gives information on what the coronavirus is, the symptoms, the vaccine against COVID-19, how to book appointments, who should have the vaccine, common side effects, how to access support and to also have a flu vaccine. The leaflet also advises to keep washing hands, ventilating spaces, and where possible socially distance and if wanted, wear a face covering.

After weeks of careful planning and installation, the NHS COVID-19 Vaccination Centre at the Science Museum first welcomed people to receive their COVID-19 vaccine on 11 March 2021. Run by NHS staff and volunteers, the clinic delivered over 122,000 doses to people over the course of a year. People had to pre-book their appointments when invited by the NHS. When the clinic first opened, the museum was closed to visitors but reopened on 19 May 2021 for five days a week.