The Essex Vax Van will be coming to Chelmsford High Street on Thursday 12 November and Thursday 3 December to deliver flu and COVID-19 vaccines.
Those eligible for the flu or COVID-19 NHS vaccination programmes will be able to drop in to the van to get their vaccine while it is parked outside Barclays Bank.
The van will be in Chelmsford from 10am to 3pm on both days. There is no need to book an appointment.
Getting vaccinated before winter viruses start circulating more widely gives people the best protection through the winter months. It can take up to 14 days for protection from the flu vaccine to develop.
People who are at greatest risk of serious illness are eligible for NHS vaccination programmes. In high-risk groups, viruses can lead to hospital treatment and can be life-threatening.
Eligibility differs between the flu and COVID-19 vaccination programmes.
The NHS COVID-19 vaccine programme is available to residents aged 75 or over, people aged 6 months to 74 who have a weakened immune system and residents living in a care home for older adults.
The NHS flu vaccine programme is available to people who are immunosuppressed, adults aged 65 and over as well as pregnant women, carers, care-home residents, homeless people and those with certain long-term conditions. Children aged two and three and home-schooled children from reception to year 11 can also get the flu vaccine from the Essex Vax Van.
School-aged children who aren’t home schooled can get their flu vaccine through their school.
The Essex Vax Van is run by the East of England Community and School-Aged Immunisation Service. It forms part of Essex’s winter vaccination programme and makes getting vaccinated easier by bringing services directly into local communities.
For those unable to attend the Essex Vax Van, adult vaccines can be booked at GP practices or pharmacies. School-aged children can get their flu vaccine via their school or a community clinic while children aged two and three can get their flu vaccine from GP practices or some pharmacies.
Check the NHS website for more information.