The Isle of Wight CCG have finally confirmed there will be no Covid-19 Booster Bus on the Isle of Wight this week.
Speaking at last week’s Local Outbreak Engagement Board meeting at Isle of Wight council, Jane Ansell, the senior responsible officer and programme director for the Island’s vaccination programme, said the bus would out on the road either Tuesday or Wednesday this week, once staffing was confirmed.
News OnTheWight has been attempting to get the dates and location from the CCG all week, but now on Friday afternoon they finally say,
“Due to continued adverse weather forecast over the coming days, we have taken the difficult decision to stand down our outdoor Covid-19 vaccinations model for this weekend.
“Whilst we understand that this will be disappointing, we have taken this decision in the interest of patient safety.
“We are working to provide more capacity in addition to booked appointments safely as quickly as possible. Meanwhile, more information on how to access the vaccine in Hampshire and Isle of Wight is available below.
“More appointments Hampshire and Isle of Wight are being added to the National Booking Service (NBS) daily. We know that additional appointment slots are booked up very quickly, therefore we would advise people to check regularly for any updates here. Alternatively call the National Booking Service on 119 (open between 7am and 11pm daily.
“We will provide further updates as soon as possible.
“Everyone eligible will be invited for their booster jab by the NHS when it is their turn. We are confident that there will be sufficient capacity to ensure everyone aged 18 and over in our area will be invited to have their booster within the stated timeframe. In line with national guidance, vaccines continue to be offered in order of vulnerability.”
How to access the COVID-19 vaccine
The Isle of Wight CCG share details of how residents can get their Covid-19 jabs or booster jabs.
- Via a local GP service: GP practices are working together across the county to vaccinate as many people as possible. Residents may be contacted by a different surgery to the one they usually go to. These sites are delivering booster doses and third doses for people who are immunosuppressed.
- At a vaccination centre: In our area we have centres at St James’s Hospital in Portsmouth, Riverside on the Isle of Wight and Oakley Road in Southampton, Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight. Eligible people should receive a letter advising them of this route to book an appointment. These sites are offering appointments for booster doses and first doses for children aged 12 – 17. These sites are also offering walk-in options for first and second doses.
- Some local pharmacies: NHS England and Improvement has arranged for some pharmacies in Hampshire and Isle of Wight to provide the booster vaccination on an appointment basis. People can book an appointment at a pharmacy via the National Booking System online or by calling 119.
For more information on local sites please click here.
Riverside Vaccination Centre, Isle of Wight
- Wednesday December 8, AstraZeneca first and second dose, 8am to 12.15pm
- Friday December 10, Pfizer first and second dose, 2pm to 5pm
- Wednesday December 15, AstraZeneca first and second dose, 8am to 12.15pm
- Friday December 17, Pfizer first and second dose, 2pm to 5pm
- Appointment only sessions for COVID-19 boosters – you can book online here.
- Appointment only sessions for 12-15 year olds first doses – you can book online here.
Westridge Centre, Isle of Wight
- Open to anyone over 16 years of age for first dose vaccinations, and second dose vaccinations for Pfizer if it has been at least eight weeks since the first dose.
- All clinics are 9am to 1pm and 1.30pm to 5.30pm.
- Thursday December 16
- Friday December 17
- Tuesday December 21
- Wednesday December 22
- Walk-in opportunity for COVID-19 first, second and booster doses on Saturday 11 December from 9am – 3.00pm.
