The local health authorities have partnered up with Norse Group to provide a mobile vaccination bus service.
Since last week, a mobile vaccination team bus has been visiting specially chosen sites across Norfolk and Waveney; vaccinating people in areas where vaccine uptake has been lower than average or where virus transmission rates remain high.
Community venues, places of worship, large food production facilities, homeless hostels and Gypsy, Roma and Traveller sites are just some of the places that will benefit from convenient, on-site access to vaccinations.
The local NHS, and local authorities, are also planning to provide future on-bus vaccinations to other individuals and communities that find visiting a permanent vaccination site more difficult through lifestyle or hesitancy in using mainstream health services.
Norse Transport and TFM Solutions have provided the specially adapted bus, replacing seats and handrails with booths and equipment, and creating observation areas for people who need further medical treatment.
The on-board community vaccination team – including immunisers and support staff – is being provided by Norfolk Community Health Care NHS Trust.
People over the age of 45 are now eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine as the NHS vaccination programme continues to make strong progress.
Last Friday, the Government met their target to vaccinate the most vulnerable ahead of the 15 April deadline, meaning that all those in the target groups 1-9 have now been offered a life-saving Covid-19 jab, more than 40 million of which have been given in total, including 8.5 million second doses.
This means that vaccinations can now begin on all those aged over 45 as the Government continue to progress towards their target of offering all adults across the UK a vaccine by the end of July.
Those over the age of 45 can book via the national booking system at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or by ringing 119 free of charge. Appointment availability can vary, depending on demand and vaccine supply, so residents are advised to keep checking as appointments are regularly added. Alternatively, eligible patients can contact their GP practice to ask for an appointment.
Latest published figures (up to Sunday 4 April 2021) show that 66% of people aged over 16 in Norfolk and Waveney have received their first dose, compared to 59% of adults in England. This puts us fourth out of the 42 health and care systems in England. Whilst 66% of people aged over 16 in Norfolk and Waveney have already received the vaccine, it is vital that those who are eligible for a vaccine and have not already booked an appointment are reminded and encouraged to do so.
