AN NHS vaccine bus is taking to the road again to encourage even more people to have their COVID-19 jab.
The bus, which has been touring the region over the past few weeks, will be making its second stop in Stockton-on-Tees in a bid to help boost vaccination rates across the borough.
Run by health staff from Hartlepool and Stockton Health GP Federation, the mobile clinic aims to boost vaccination rates and provide improved access for people who may find it difficult to get to a designated vaccination centre.
The bus, which has a capacity to provide over 500 vaccinations a day, will stop at:
- Parliament Street Carpark (opposite Halfords), Stockton, on 25, 26 & 27 August from 10am to 6pm.
Anyone over the age of 16 will be eligible to receive a jab.
No appointment is needed and no formal identification required.
An on-board team of immunisers, support staff and nurses from Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s Public Health Team and Hartlepool and Stockton Health, will be on hand to answer questions or address any issues of vaccine hesitancy.
Rapid covid tests, lateral flow devices, will also be offered on site by the council’s community testing team, for people to take home.
Dr Janet Walker, medical director, NHS Tees Valley CCG, said: “We want to make it as easy and convenient as possible for people across the whole of Tees Valley to get their jab.
“The bus is a great way to take Covid-19 vaccinations out into our communities to give people the jab safely and efficiently to anyone who is eligible and who hasn’t been able to visit one of our local vaccination sites yet.”
Vicky Holt, director of nursing, Hartlepool and Stockton Health said: “We would urge everyone over 16, who hasn’t had a jab yet or who is due their second dose to please come along to the bus.
“No appointment is needed, even if you aren’t registered with a GP. If you have any concerns or questions our friendly and experienced nurses and doctors are more than happy to talk them through with you.
“The more of us who are vaccinated, the safer we will all be.”
A free 12-seater shuttle bus, with wheelchair access, will be available for anyone living within The Clarences, including any dependants, who wishes to access the mobile vaccination clinic for a jab – space will be available for pushchairs if collapsed.
Provided by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, the bus will collect residents from The Clarence’s Community Centre at 9:30am, 11:30am and 3pm on Wednesday 25, Thursday 26 and Friday 27 August and drop off at the mobile vaccination clinic at Parliament Street Car Park.
The shuttle bus will wait for people to be vaccinated, for up to an hour and a half, before returning them to their collection point.
Councillor Bob Cook, Leader of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, said: “Here at the Council we are more than happy to support the NHS in the rollout of the coronavirus vaccine – and this is a great initiative.
“It’s vital that everyone has access to the vaccine and I’d encourage anyone who is yet to have it to take this opportunity. Anyone who might have otherwise struggled for transport to get your vaccination in the Clarences area can hop on board the bus at The Clarence’s Community Centre at one of the specified times.
“Infection rates are still high across the Stockton-on-Tees Borough and the vaccine offers the best form of protection from serious illness.”