Vaccine bus rolls into Blackpool as part of spring booster drive

The vaccine bus is heading back to Blackpool next week as part of the COVID-19 spring booster campaign.

Those who are eligible for the latest jab – including over-75s and people who are immunocompromised, such as cancer patients and organ transplant recipients – can climb aboard as the bus stops off at various locations around the town over the next fortnight.

Any adults still requiring their first and second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine are also encouraged to attend.

These include (all from 10am to 4pm): Tuesday 18 April at Asda, in Cherry Tree Road; Friday 21 at Morrisons, Cleveleys; Saturday 22 at Morrisons in Squires Gate Lane; Tuesday 25 in Bickerstaffe Square; and Friday 28 at the Red Lion Pub, in Bispham.

Jane Scattergood, senior responsible officer for the Lancashire and South Cumbria COVID-19 vaccination programme, said: “The best way to protect yourself is to get the vaccine as soon as you are eligible. COVID-19 is still having a big impact and older people are still most at risk of developing severe illness and being hospitalised.

“The vaccine bus is in the Blackpool area on five separate occasions this month, and we’d love to see you if you are eligible. We want to ensure that everyone gets the protection they need as quickly and conveniently as possible.”

This latest vaccination, is being offered to those considered most at risk, following advice from the Joint Committee of Vaccination and Immunisation, and around 190,000 patients in Lancashire and South Cumbria will be eligible.

People who are over 75, immunocompromised or still to have a first or second vaccination are all eligible, but must ensure their appointment takes place at least three months since their last dose.

Anyone who believes they should be eligible for a vaccine but does not get invited can self-declare via the National Booking Service or by phoning 119.