A double-decker bus offering Covid vaccines to eligible patients has arrived in Tunbridge Wells.
The NHS ‘Health and Wellbeing’ bus, which started operating at the Notcutts garden centre in Pembury on October 2, will be offering eligible patients the opportunity to protect themselves from Covid-19.
Up until now, many of the town’s residents had complained they were unable to get a Covid jab locally, with the nearest vaccination point in Crowborough. Many locals had contacted this newspaper expressing frustration at having to travel further afield (Times, October 4).
Christina Pagel, Professor of Operational Research at University College London, said that a new wave of Covid appeared to be underway, which was possibly driven by waning immunity and new variants of Omicron, the most common strain of Covid.
According to the most recent government data, between September 17 and September 23, 12,187 people had a confirmed positive Covid test result. This was an increase of 13.7 per cent on the previous seven days.
A spokesperson for NHS Kent and Medway said: “The Covid-19 vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones.
“Eligible patients can have a vaccination at our Health and Wellbeing bus at Notcutts garden centre. No appointment is necessary.”
It was also revealed that another site will be offering vaccines elsewhere in the town later this month.
“We will make an announcement with details soon,” the spokesperson said.
The bus is managed by NHS Kent and Medway’s Vaccination Programme Team and is part of the NHS plan to provide vaccination services for all areas.
No appointment is needed as long as you’re eligible for the Covid-19 autumn booster jab.
The converted double-decker bus will be open at Notcutts six days a week (Monday to Saturday) from 10am to 4pm, until November 4.
For eligibility details, see: nhs.uk/conditions/covid-19/covid-19-vaccination/getting-a-covid-19-vaccine/
