Hounslow launches its very own vaccine bus, offering jabs to the community
Published on: 8th February 2022
Touring Monday 7 February, Hounslow’s vaccine bus kicks off its tour beginning with stops at Hounslow High Street and other local venues including supported accommodation and homeless hostels.
In partnership with North West London CCG Hounslow Borough Team, London Borough of Hounslow, and Hounslow’s Primary Care Networks, it will be offering Covid-19 vaccinations administered by the new Health Outreach Team. The new joint NHS and Local Authority team is staffed by a wide range of local healthcare and engagement personnel, utilising the broad range of skills available within Primary Care Networks and the Local Authority, including speaking community languages. Offering the first, second and booster doses of vaccine to anyone 16 or older, the bus will operate between 5 and 7 days a week until 31 March 2022.
Over the coming weeks the bus will be stopping at a number of local venues, visiting areas that are both easily accessible to everyone and areas allowing access to those who have found it more difficult to get vaccinated. This is with the aim to reduce health inequalities by improving access to a vaccine for everyone. The friendly, local staff will be available to discuss the vaccination with anyone who would like a chat. The Health Outreach Team are also able to support residents to talk about their health more widely that just vaccination.
Members of the Health Outreach Team will also be around the borough speaking to and signposting residents to the nearest vaccination clinic.
The upcoming bus schedule can be viewed on www.hounslow.gov.uk/vaccinationcentres with more stops being announced soon.
Cllr Atterton said “We are thrilled to be able to help local residents get the vaccine close to their home or place of work. Taking it out to the streets of Hounslow will help make sure that everyone can get easy access to the COVID-19 vaccine.”
Kelly O’Neill, Director of Public Health said,“We are really proud to launch this new service to create even more opportunities to bring a friend or loved one to grab a jab and ensure that having the vaccine is as convenient as possible.
“Understandably certain communities/ residents may want to talk through what concerns them and be reassured about their health needs before vaccination and so we are looking forward to sharing, bringing local health staff out into the community.”
