In a targeted programme aimed at taking the life saving coronavirus vaccine out into communities where it is needed most, the mobile vaccine unit has been making stops around Wolverhampton.
The next stop will be East Park, where NHS and Public Health staff and volunteers, along with local Community Champions, will be offering the vaccine to any adults without the need for an appointment.
The bus will be in East Park, Hickman Avenue WV1 2BS, tomorrow (Thursday) and Friday between 3pm and 8pm and Saturday and Sunday from 10am until 6pm offering both the Pfizer-BioNTech and Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines. First and second doses will be available, although injections must be at least 8 weeks apart.
To support the vaccine bus and let people know it is in their area, Wolverhampton’s volunteer Community Champions are visiting local households to drop off information and encourage people to get their jab.
Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: “Working in partnership with the NHS and local GPs, the bus is proving an effective way of getting the vaccine to where it is needed most and is helping to protect some of our more vulnerable communities.
“We’ve seen good uptake at the bus so far, and have plenty of vaccines available so, if you haven’t had your first or second jab yet, come along to East Park this week and get it. Please also spread the word; if you know someone who hasn’t had theirs yet, let them know they can get it at the vaccine bus this weekend, too.”
Dr Kam Ahmed, Wolverhampton GP and Covid Vaccination Programme Lead said: “The bus is travelling across the city to increase uptake in particular areas such as Bilston last week and now it’s coming to East Park for walk-in Covid-19 vaccinations.
“I encourage you to take up the offer of your first dose, or your second dose if your first one was over 8 weeks ago.
“Please come along to the bus whilst it’s in your local area.”
The vaccine bus will be visiting other parts of the city over the coming weeks, but there is no need to wait for it to come to your area; everyone over the age of 18 can now book their vaccinations online at Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines or by calling the NHS on 119.
The vaccine bus is based on a specially adapted coach and is provided by Holmeswood Coaches.
Latest figures show over 153,000 people in Wolverhampton have had their first jab, with nearly 113,000 having maximum protection after receiving both doses of the vaccine.
