Waltham Abbey pilots COVID vaccination bus

A COVID-19 vaccination bus will be visiting Waltham Abbey to offer walk-in vaccinations to people aged 45 and above tomorrow (Wednesday 21 April). It will also vaccinate those who are clinically extremely vulnerable, and health and social care workers aged over 30.

The bus, which is only operating for one day, will be parked in Tesco car park in Sewardstone Rd, Waltham Abbey, EN9 1JH, between 9am and 2pm, making it easier for people to get their first vaccination, if they haven’t already had one.

There is no need to book an appointment. All people need is their NHS number (if they have it), their full name, date-of-birth and address. If people don’t know their NHS number they can find it on the NHS website.

If people do not have an NHS number, they can still be vaccinated so it’s important they visit the bus for their jab.

Sarah Browne, Director Nursing and Quality at Hertfordshire Community Trust (HCT), which is the Trust responsible for vaccinating on the day, said: “We are delighted to be piloting a more mobile, flexible way of delivering the COVID-19 vaccination to residents of Waltham Abbey. We don’t want to leave anybody behind in this important vaccination programme. Getting vaccinated is the quickest and easiest way to protect your family, friends and the community from this disease. Thanks to all the immunisation team and our partners involved today, especially Tesco, who have helped make this possible.”

Rob Gerlis, Chair of West Essex CCG and Harlow GP, added: “We are very excited to be piloting a vaccination bus in our area. By taking a bus out to a supermarket where people may regularly visit, rather than inviting everyone to a fixed centre, it will make it easier for everyone to become protected from serious COVID illness.

“We hope people who are aged 45 and above will take up this opportunity to get vaccinated. It’s important to remember that even if you have had one or both doses of the vaccine, everyone should continue to follow hygiene and social distancing rules to prevent the spread of the virus.”