Published: Thursday, 30th September 2021
Published on behalf of the NHS Norfolk and Waveney Clinical Commissioning Group:
The NHS Worry Bus will be parked on Tuesday Market Place on Saturday 9 October from 11am to 5pm. The service will offer the time, space and clinical expertise to ask questions about the vaccine and provide reassurance to anyone who has anxieties or concerns about getting a covid jab.
Norfolk and Waveney has performed strongly throughout the vaccination programme roll out, and a staggering 93% of people have had at least one vaccine.
Says Tracy Williams, Nurse and Clinical Lead for Health Inequalities at NHS Norfolk and Waveney Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG): “We know that of the remaining 7% of people without any vaccination, there will be a significant number of people who really want a vaccine but - for whatever reason - just can’t face it or are struggling to get themselves to a vaccination centre.
“We are urging anyone in the King’s Lynn area who needs extra support in getting a vaccine to come along to the bus so we can help them work through any issues or concerns and offer them a vaccination in a location or environment they are comfortable with. We can provide you with a personalised approach that supports you to take up your vaccination it you want to.”
“Protecting yourself and others before we go into the winter months is so important and we are here to help you if you need extra information or support.”
Norfolk and Waveney patient Charlotte (21), is just one person who plucked up the courage to reach out for support.
Says Charlotte: “My anxiety built up over several weeks and I was dreading getting a text to say it was my turn for a vaccine. I have hated needles and injections since high school, so this felt like a big deal to me. When the texts came, I just ignored them and hoped it would all go away.
“But deep down I knew that getting vaccinated was the best thing to do to protect myself and the older members of my family – I work in a busy environment, with lots of people coming and going, so the infection risk is high.
“Two weeks ago, I bit the bullet and contacted the local NHS for advice, I thought: ‘this is my moment, if I don’t do it now I probably never will’. They arranged for me to speak to a vaccinator over the phone who talked me through the process, step by step, in advance. I went along, was met at the door and it was all over in just a few minutes. The NHS team were simply amazing, they calmed my nerves and got me through it. I am so pleased to be vaccinated and I can’t believe I did it! I’d urge anyone who felt like I did to grab the moment and go for it.
“The vaccination teams have been working on this for months now and they know what they are doing – the support is there; you just need to let them know you need it.”
Charlotte’s story is one of many that prompted the launch of the ‘Worry Bus’ which sees our roving vaccination team hit the road offering a special service to those with concerns or anxieties about needles, vaccines, crowded spaces, clinical settings, pregnancy, fertility or anything at all that is holding them back.
The Worry Bus will be parked on the Tuesday Market place from 11am to 5pm on Saturday 9 October. Specially trained clinical staff will be on hand to discuss a range of issues without pressure or judgement and give people the time and space to talk through any worries they may have.
The Worry Bus can also provide a vaccine for anyone who chooses to take up the offer or support them to access the nearby walk in vaccination clinic at the Shakespeare Barn on King Street.
The Worry Bus will offer first and second doses of the Pfizer vaccine to anyone attending aged 18+ or within three months of their 18th birthday. The team can provide supported vaccines for those with additional needs, but there will be no pressure to have a vaccine.
You do NOT need to show identification (ID) to receive a COVID-19 vaccination and you do not need to give your full name or address. It does not matter whether you are a UK citizen or what your immigration status is, how long you have been here or how long you expect to stay.
The bus is not currently able to offer booster (third dose) vaccinations. Those eligible for their booster will be contacted by the NHS to make an appointment when it is their turn to come forward.
If you can’t get to King’s Lynn there’s still plenty on offer for those who feel they need more information or support:
Tracy Williams adds: “Now the vast majority of people have already had a vaccine, our drop-in vaccination centres tend to be quieter, particularly Monday to Friday. This means the atmosphere is calmer and our clinical staff have more time to spend 1-2-1 with people who want to talk before deciding to have a vaccine.
“We can arrange for you to have your vaccination in a quiet space, away from other people and put in place the support you need to make you comfortable. Our teams are also trained in providing help to people who have needle phobia or general anxiety – they do a fantastic job in making people feel relaxed and safe.”
To seek support in getting a vaccine for you, a friend or family member please email NHS Norfolk and Waveney CCG at: nwccg.contactus@nhs.net or call 01603 595857 and leave your name and number so we can call you back.
To find a walk in (no appointment) vaccination centre near you, visit: https://apps.norfolk.gov.uk/WalkIn/Form/AllAvailableClinics or search the list of clinics here: https://apps.norfolk.gov.uk/WalkIn
Comprehensive information about the local vaccination programme, including information in languages others than English, can be found here. https://norfolkandwaveneyccg.nhs.uk/covid/
Getting the vaccine is the single most important step we can take to protect ourselves, our families and our communities against COVID-19. The vaccine has been tested by scientists and researchers world-wide and every vaccine has gone through thorough checks.
A number of pharmacy sites are also offering COVID-19 vaccinations to people who are eligible, providing more choice and flexibility for people to book their appointments. These sites and more information is available here: https://apps.norfolk.gov.uk/WalkIn/Form/AllAvailableClinics
If you have it, please take your NHS number with you to your vaccination appointment to help the vaccination team book you in quickly (please see here). But don’t worry if you don’t have an NHS number or are not registered with a GP / local doctor, you can still get vaccinated.
Before your vaccination:
First doses
You will be offered the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, in line with national guidance. If you’ve already had your first dose of vaccine, whichever vaccine you have had, please go for your second to get the maximum possible protection for longer.
Second doses
Following national guidance and in line with all areas of the country, everyone over the age of 18 is now having their second dose within an eight week window of their first.
If you are already over the eight-week window since your first dose, please get your second dose as soon as possible by visiting a walk-in centre or booking via the national booking system.
A single dose of the vaccine provides a good level of protection from COVID-19, but the second dose is important to ensure maximum, longer-lasting protection.
Booster vaccines – third dose
Appointments can be booked through the national booking service by visiting nhs.uk/covid-vaccination or telephoning 119. When invited, people can book at one of the vaccination centre, pharmacy or general practice sites that are available through the national booking service.
Text invitations appear as an alert from ‘NHSvaccine’, including a web link to the NHS website to reserve an appointment.
If you can’t find an appointment at a vaccination site close to where you live please keep checking the national booking system for the latest local vaccination slots as these are being regularly updated. Please do not contact your local GP practice. You will be contacted when it’s the right time.
COVID-19 vaccination status
People in England who have had a full course of the COVID-19 vaccine can demonstrate their COVID-19 vaccination status for international travel. A full course is currently two doses of any approved vaccine. People can prove their vaccination status:
- in theNHS App
- through the NHS website
- by ringing 119 to get a letter
Public urged to continue playing their part
Millions of people are already benefiting from protection from the virus. But NHS staff are still having to work hard to deliver the largest vaccination drive in our history, at the same time as providing care for everyone who needs it.
So we need the public to continue to play their part too:
- unless you have been invited before, please don’t contact the NHS to seek a vaccine, we will contact you when it is the right time;
- please attend your booked appointments at exactly the time you’re asked to, and make sure you come back for your second dose;
- and whether you have had your vaccine or not, please continue to follow all the guidance in place to control the virus and save lives.
- Please do not contact your local doctor / GP practice about vaccinations – they are extremely busy with appointments and need to keep their phone lines free for patients needing care.
More information about the vaccination programme can be found here: https://www.norfolkandwaveneyccg.nhs.uk/covid-19-vaccination-programme