The mobile clinic, which is fully equipped and staffed by healthcare professionals, aims to make vaccinations more accessible for those who might find it difficult to book or travel to appointments.
The van is offering flu jabs to:
People aged 65 and over
Those living in care homes
Anyone who is immunosuppressed
Pregnant women
Frontline health and social care workers
People with learning disabilities or weakened immune systems
COVID-19 boosters are also available for those aged 75 and over or with weakened immune systems, while anyone aged 40 and over who is not currently on blood pressure medication can get a free blood pressure check.
The van operates as part of the NHS’s effort to make health services as convenient as possible, allowing people to walk in without an appointment for eligible vaccines.
A nurse working as part of the team there said: “We want to raise awareness of who is eligible to come in and get checked.
“It’s so important to get jabbed and this van is all about making it as accessible as possible.
“It also helps alleviate pressure on GP surgeries and reduce waiting times if people come here instead.”
The vaccination drive comes as the NHS continues its national campaign to encourage eligible people to get their winter jabs before the colder months set in.
The van is offering, flu, Covid-19 vaccinations and blood pressure checks (Image: NQ)
NHS England health officials have warned that flu cases began rising earlier than usual this year, with numbers already three times higher than this time last winter.
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Cllr Andy Morgan, who represents Heaton, Lostock and Chew Moor Ward, praised the local effort: “This is a great and convenient opportunity for those eligible to get both their flu and COVID jabs together to protect themselves, their families, and the wider NHS.
“The mobile vaccination van is a great resource, bringing this essential health protection initiative directly into the heart of our communities.
“I would highly recommend residents take advantage of this opportunity.”
According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), last winter’s flu vaccination programme in England is estimated to have prevented around 100,000 hospital admissions, with millions of doses delivered nationwide through NHS services.
The vaccination van will be at following Bolton locations:
24, 25 & 27 November – Bolton Market, Ashburner St
2 December – Bolton Market, Ashburner St
4 & 6 December – Bolton Oxford Street
Dr Linda Charles-Ozuzu, Regional Director of Commissioning for NHS England in the North West, said:
“We know people’s lives are incredibly busy at this time of year, but whilst out and about Christmas shopping, I want to encourage as many people as possible who are eligible, to also make time for important vaccinations.
“Across the North West as well as GPs and pharmacists offering flu vaccines, we also have vaccination buses visiting supermarkets and town centres making it as easy as possible for people to access jabs.”
Dr Paula Cowan, GP and Regional Medical Director for Primary Care for NHS England in the North West said:
“We usually see a huge jump in demand for services in winter and one of the most important things the public can do to support the NHS is, if they are eligible, get vaccinated.
“Vaccines offer the best possible protection against serious illness, and getting vaccinated not only protects you, but helps protect your friends and family too.”
If you need urgent medical help but you’re not sure where to go, use 111 to get assessed and directed to the right place for you. Call, go online or use the NHS App.