A vaccination bus is rolling into Redbridge today and this weekend to boost uptake of the Covid-19 vaccine.

The double decker bus, a partnership between Redbridge Council, the NHS and local community groups, has clinicians and volunteers on site ready to deliver jabs to Redbridge residents.

Anyone eligible for a first or second vaccination can book using the number below to get their jab, while residents can also pick up rapid testing kits or come along for information and advice.

People in England who are aged 42 and over, or those who will turn 42 before July 1, can now arrange their vaccine appointment.

The bus is initially providing twilight sessions at local mosques to enable residents observing Ramadan to attend and get vaccinated, without breaking their fast.

Redbridge director of public health Gladys Xavier said: “Over 120,000 people in Redbridge have so far taken a Covid-19 vaccine. We want to make it as easy as possible to get vaccinated, and the new bus will support many more people to do so while helping to keep Redbridge safe.

“We are working with our community partners to locate the bus in the right places, at the right times, so that as many people as possible can have easy access to vaccine jabs and testing kits. As well as visiting local mosques during Ramadan, the bus will also continue to tour across different locations in the borough.”

The bus will be at the following locations from 6.30pm to 8.30pm:

  • Thursday, April 29 – Belgrave Rd, Ilford, IG1 3LG
  • Saturday, May 1 – Newbury Park, Ilford IG2 7PY

“The vaccination bus is a great idea as we as GPs can also use this as a route to get our patients vaccinated,” said Dr Najib Seedat, a GP at the Ilford medical centre.

“I encourage people to book the vaccination bus, especially community groups as this will allow us to vaccinate more people at once in a location that works best for them.”

Residents are encouraged to book their vaccine jab on the vaccine bus on a day and time that suits them by calling the free phone line: 0800 038 59 29 between 8.00am-8.00pm.

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