A NEW roving vehicle is on the road to help deliver Covid-19 jabs to communities who may not find accessing vaccinations easy.
The vehicle, run by NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight, and supported by Hampshire County Council, will be travelling to different parts of the county to deliver the vaccine closer to people’s homes.
Residents do not need to make an appointment – they can walk in and have their vaccination if they are eligible.
SEE ALSO: Enforcement action against contentious caravan site
Those eligible for the spring campaign are people aged 75 years and over, and adults and children aged six months and over who have a weakened immune system.
Examples of people with a weakened immune system include organ, bone marrow or stem cell transplant patients, those living with HIV, those undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy or those with genetic disorders that affect the immune system.
Dr Matt Nisbet, GP and clinical lead for the NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight Covid-19 Vaccination Programme, said: "This spring the vaccine continues to be offered to some of the most vulnerable people in our community.
SEE ALSO: Eastrop paddling pool closed for maintenance work just as weather warms up
"For lots of different reasons, we recognise it may not always be easy for people to get to a GP practice or pharmacy for their vaccination. To make sure they don’t miss out, this roving vehicle will bring the vaccine much closer to our communities.
"Locations we are going to include areas of higher need, older people activity groups, a veterans’ event and for people accessing food banks. There is no need to book, just come along and speak to one of the friendly vaccination team who will be able to help you."
As well as delivering the vaccination, teams will also be on board to provide public health information on a range of topics such as blood pressure checks, healthy weight and menopause support.
Cllr Liz Fairhurst, Hampshire County Council’s executive lead member for adult services and public health, said: "The roving vaccination van will help bring important Covid-19 protection and health advice to lots more people in Hampshire. While for many people coronavirus is a mild infection, for some people it can cause serious illness.
"Getting the vaccine means milder symptoms and a quicker recovery if you catch the virus, so I would urge every Hampshire resident who is eligible for the spring covid jab to make sure they have it."
Since the campaign started on April 15, more than 70,000 vaccinations have been given and in total is being offered to 211,000 people across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Those who are eligible do not need to wait to be invited and can book via the National Booking System, by calling 119, or via the NHS App, until June 30.
The vehicle will deliver vaccines until June 30, and will then continue providing public health information until August.
To find out where the vehicle will be, and general information about the spring COVID-19 vaccination campaign visit hantsiowhealthandcare.org.uk/your-health/covid-19/covid-19-vaccination-programme.
If you are not sure if you have a condition that means you are eligible for the vaccination, or you need help with booking an appointment, then the NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight Covid Vaccination Helpline team will be able to help via 0300 561 0018.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here