A specially-converted Ford Transit van is to be used to deliver Covid-19 vaccines in Essex from next month.
It will be a hub for dedicated vaccine clinics in the grounds of churches, mosques and other community venues, with the NHS and partners across the Mid and South Essex Health and Care Partnership liaising with community leaders and groups to fill pre-booked appointments, aiming to rally and vaccinate as many people from the local communities as possible.
The Transit has been converted by Venari Group, with new features including medical grade refrigeration with wi-fi monitoring capability, vaccine transport coolers, a collapsible chair for administering vaccines, and an integrated tablet for accessing and updating health and vaccination records.
Benfleet Primary Care Network clinical director Dr Smitesh Patel said: “Our goal of giving everyone an equal opportunity to receive this essential vaccine is now in closer reach, owing to the additional support from our valued network of community leaders, Ford and Venari Group.
“This added mobility has meant the gap will be bridged for so many facing a struggle to visit their local vaccination centre. With this support, we enter an important chapter of our vaccine rollout with a renewed sense of hope and optimism.”