Coronavirus vaccine bus in town : Not just the jab - but reassurance too in Radstock

The message is clear : Come to the vaccine bus if you are over 40 or in a vulnerable group. But aside from getting a coronavirus jab, the health team on the bus is also happy to answer any questions you may have..

With the coronavirus vaccination bus out and about in B&NES today the director of public health was keen to stress, that it was as much about reassurance, as getting a jab.

Becky Reynolds told Nub News at the bus, which today (June 28) was in the former Radco car park: " This vaccine bus is absolutely super because it is perfect for people who either can't make it up to one of the mass vaccination spaces, or have some concerns and questions, and perhaps want a longer time to talk with a health professional.

"We are encouraging everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated, but we are also happy to reassure and answer questions."

The latest coronavirus figures from across B&NES are that the rate of positive cases per 100,000 has gone up again, from 90 to 128.8 and the number of cases, from 173 to 249 (figures from June 22).

In terms of the vaccine, the bus is ONLY carrying Astra Zeneca jabs and they are focusing on two specific cohorts.

They are, she told us :

"The over 40s who are vulnerable and who have not had their second vaccination. We know that this vaccine is very effective once you have had a second jab, so we need them to get vaccinated. If you have only had one dose then we strongly encourage you to have a second dose."

But if you have a second vaccination already booked, Becky Reynolds stressed that it was best to keep that appointment where it is already have it booked.

" Secondly, our other specific target is those people who would find it incredibly difficult to get out to one of the mass vaccination sites. So residents who are less able to travel.

" We are doing very well overall on our vaccination rates (across B&NES) especially for our older people. So the take up rates there are much higher than the average rates in England, but we do need to the rates of vaccination now over younger age groups. "

Across B&NES the vaccine bookings are open to over 18s, but again those are not being done on the mobile clinic. So is the director noticing any vaccination hesitancy locally?

" Some people are hesitant, but not as hesitant as in other areas. Sometimes it is not reluctance per se, it is just that people questions answered, and to know a little bit more. So they can get more information here on the bus, and we are very happy to provide that."

Regarding the current year groups now out after several positive tests at Norton Hill school, Becky Reynolds said she was aware of the problem. She told us: " The thing about the Delta variant is that is so much more transmissible. And so we know that young people in schools and outside in the community, where they mix, are able to spread it very easily.

" But all of our schools, particularly our secondary schools are working hard to control these outbreaks. They are quick to contact the public health team and we are working together to reduce spread as much as possible."

In conclusion from the message from the public health team at B&NES is:

1. Get vaccinated
2. Test yourselves regularly, ideally twice a week. One in three people don't even show symptoms of having covid, but you can still pass it on to people around you who are vulnerable
3. Even when you are vaccinated, keep your social distance to help stop the spread to those who are most vulnerable.