One Darlington September 2021

Vaccination bus offers
Over the summer, our very own vaccine bus
has been hitting the road across Darlington to
encourage more people to get on board with
having their COVID-19 vaccines.
From regular walk-in clinics at the Darlington Arena
Large Vaccination Centre, Firthmoor Community Centre
and Cockerton Pharmacy, to pop-ups in the town centre
for events such as Darlington Pride, getting your COVID
vaccine in Darlington was quicker and easier than ever
before.
Yet, the vaccines were still not accessible to all residents,
such as those without their own transport, or those who
were hesitant around visiting a vaccine site in the town.
Last month, the council-owned vaccine bus, formally a
mobile library, started its tour visiting sites across the
borough to offer eligible residents the opportunity to get
vaccinated close to their homes.
By providing the bus, the council aimed to remove as
many barriers as possible for its communities.
The onboard team and supporting volunteers could
also offer advice and support to those who are hesitant
about getting their vaccines for other reasons – such as
concerns about side effects.
The volunteers, including from Darlington’s Primary
Care Network and COVID Ambassadors, were able to
offer support and reassurance to residents by visiting
the homes near the clinics the day before the bus was
scheduled to visit.
The mobile clinic also aimed to boost vaccination rates
in areas of the town where uptake has been lower
than average by providing pop-up clinics in convenient
locations, such as Eastbourne Sports Complex.
Anyone who had yet to come forward for their first dose
of a vaccine, or anyone who had yet to come forward
for their second dose a minimum of eight weeks after
their first, was eligible to stop by a clinic to have their
vaccinations.
KEEPING DARLINGTON