MORE than 200 people who are homeless, rough sleeping, or have been temporarily housed will receive the Covid vaccine in Bournemouth.

The HealthBus Trust has worked with South Coast Medical Group, BCP Council, YMCA Bournemouth, St Mungo’s, “We are with you” and the Ministry of Defence to ensure this vulnerable group of people can be protected from Covid-19.

The invited people will be vaccinated in one day at the YMCA in Bournemouth. 

Vice chair of the HealthBus, Chris Wakefield, said: “We have been working with all these organisations and the medical practice (South Coast Medical Group). They have secured the vaccine and made sure the site is safe.

“At the HealthBus, because we are trusted by the people that are homeless and rough sleepers, we are the ones who have reached out to them through the work we have been doing.

“People have got to register in order to come along, it has been that massive team effort to deliver this.

“We have got one day allocated. There are a number of people that are homeless, that are sleeping rough, that are living in temporary accommodation, they have pre-existing health conditions and I just think it is important everybody is given the opportunity to have the vaccine.

The HealthBus, founded three years ago, works with South Coast Medical Group to offer support for those most vulnerable.

And Mr Wakefield said they have been working at setting this up for weeks.

“We couldn’t do what we do without the support of our partner agencies,” he continued.

“To have been able to turn this around in a timely manner, we couldn’t have done that, so we are so grateful for the support we receive.

“We have 20 volunteers to help us. Without the support of the medical practice this couldn’t happen because they have taken the initiative. Without their support the HealthBus would not be able to do what is does.”

Dr Maggie Kirk, medical director of the HealthBus Foundation, said: “We are delighted at partnering with the South Coast Medical Group to support many vulnerable people in our community who struggle to access traditional health care and not otherwise be vaccinated.”