Nearly 12,000 people have been vaccinated in five EPP shopping centres so far. In addition, the company donated 160 advertising media in its buildings free of charge for the national government vaccination promotion campaign.
By 10 August, over 35 million COVID-19 vaccine doses had already been administered in Poland and almost 47% of the population[1] are fully vaccinated. To further intensify its vaccination programme, the country has launched “The Last Straight” campaign, featuring Polish sporting and cultural icons, to boost vaccination numbers. The campaign highlights that vaccination is the only effective way to prevent another wave of infections and economic limitations. The programme is part of a joint initiative by the Polish Council of Shopping Centres, the Office of the Prime Minister and the entire shopping centre industry. As a socially responsible company committed to its local community and the entire retail sector, EPP has lent its weight to the vaccination promotion programme.
Quick and convenient
To start with, EPP is providing the opportunity for safe and convenient vaccination at dedicated points organised on free lease space, medical clinics and pharmacies, which are already operating in five of its shopping centres: Pasaż Grunwaldzki in Wrocław, Galaxy in Szczecin, Galeria Młociny in Warsaw, Wzorcownia in Włocławek and King Cross Marcelin in Poznań. The number of EPP centres with vaccination points is due to increase in the months ahead.
“Responsibility is one of EPP’s four values, which is why, from the very beginning of the pandemic, we have carried out numerous activities aimed at ensuring the maximum level of shopping safety for our customers, employees and tenants. We believe that universal vaccination is the most important action at the moment in the fight against the pandemic. Without hesitation, we have responded to our shopping centre council’s appeal by organising points and promoting the idea of vaccination in our malls. EPP shopping centres, which have been valued assets in their local communities for years, reach many people of different age groups. They are a great channel for communicating such a socially important topic and encourage people who have not yet decided to get vaccinated to take advantage of the comfortable and safe vaccination options at one of our shopping centres,” says Rafał Kwiatkowski, Board Member and COO at EPP.
The retail industry fights COVID-19 together
The fact that shopping centres have joined a nationwide campaign to promote vaccinations is another sign of responsible and committed action by the entire industry. More than 100 shopping centres in Poland have already declared their participation in the “The Last Straight” campaign. By pinpointing retail centres as key conduits of vaccination delivery and communications, the campaign highlights the critical role that malls play in the greater good of their communities and society.
“Our objective for the coming weeks and months is to keep the shopping centres fully operational. As a company and as an industry, we need to sustain the continuity of trade in order to generate turnover, support retailers, and protect jobs. Only by gaining collective immunity through vaccination are we able to overcome a pandemic, protect people’s health and lives, and look after the economy”, adds Rafał Kwiatkowski.
Safe vaccination process
Vaccination points located in EPP centres are open on days and at hours preferred by customers. Ultimately, they will all offer the option of vaccination without prior registration to encourage even more people to receive the vaccine. The process follows guidelines prepared jointly by the Office of the Prime Minister and the Polish Council of Shopping Centres.
[1] Percentage of the whole population of Poland, including children 0+ age.
