Publish date: 1 May 2024
A new roving vehicle is on the road to help deliver COVID-19 vaccines to some of our communities who may not find accessing vaccinations easy.
The vehicle, run by NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight, and supported by Hampshire County Council, will be travelling to different parts of the county to deliver the vaccine closer to people’s homes.
People do not need to make an appointment – they can walk in and have their vaccination if they are eligible.
Those eligible for the spring campaign are people aged 75 years and over, and adults and children aged six months and over who have a weakened immune system.
Examples of people with a weakened immune system include organ, bone marrow or stem cell transplant patients, those living with HIV, those undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy or those with genetic disorders that affect the immune system.
Dr Matt Nisbet, GP and Clinical Lead for the NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight COVID-19 Vaccination Programme, said: “This spring the vaccine continues to be offered to some of the most vulnerable people in our community.
“For lots of different reasons, we recognise it may not always be easy for people to get to a GP practice or pharmacy for their vaccination. To make sure they don’t miss out, this roving vehicle will bring the vaccine much closer to our communities.
“Locations we are going to include areas of higher need, older people activity groups, a veterans’ event and for people accessing food banks. There is no need to book, just come along and speak to one of the friendly vaccination team who will be able to help you.”
As well as delivering the vaccination, teams will also be on board to provide public health information on a range of topics such as blood pressure checks, healthy weight and menopause support.
Councillor Liz Fairhurst, Hampshire County Council’s Executive Lead Member for Adult Services and Public Health, said: “The roving vaccination van will help bring important COVID-19 protection and health advice to lots more people in Hampshire. While for many people Coronavirus is a mild infection, for some people it can cause serious illness.
“Getting the vaccine means milder symptoms and a quicker recovery if you catch the virus, so I would urge every Hampshire resident who is eligible for the spring covid jab to make sure they have it.”
Richard Mayon-White, programme manager for the team delivering the service, said: “Our team is really excited to be getting out and about in this roving vehicle, helping people in our communities that need that extra bit of support to get their vaccination.
“And to make sure we can support people more broadly; we are also on hand to provide information about general health to keep people well in the community.
“You can get a blood pressure check, some information to help you stop smoking and early cancer detection information.”
Since the campaign started on April 15, more than 70,000 vaccinations have been given and in total is being offered to 211,000 people across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
For those who are eligible for the spring vaccine, there are a few ways to get your vaccination. Many people will have been invited directly via their GP practice.
You can get your vaccination from GP practices, pharmacies and pop-up and roving clinics.
But if you are eligible, you don’t need to wait to be invited and can book via the National Booking System, by calling 119, or via the NHS App, until 30 June.
The vehicle will deliver vaccines until June 30, and will then continue providing public health information until August. To find out where the vehicle will be, and general information about the spring COVID-19 vaccination campaign visit https://
Alongside the roving vehicle, which is travelling around Hampshire, other pop-up clinics will also be available in Portsmouth, Southampton, and the Isle of Wight to help deliver vaccination.
If you’re not sure if you have a condition that means you’re eligible for the vaccination, or you need help with booking an appointment, then the NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight COVID Vaccination Helpline team will be able to help via 0300 561 0018.