Page last updated: 9 December, 2021, 5:22pm
Essex Vax Van
We are working closely with local community leaders to maximise the uptake of COVID-19 vaccinations across Essex.
One of the ways in which we are doing this is through working in partnership with Ford in what we believe to be the world’s first ever custom-built COVID-19 vaccination vehicle.
A bespoke Ford Transit COVID-19 vaccination vehicle will bring mobile clinics to communities who are vulnerable to COVID-19 and those who might face barriers to accessing traditional healthcare services.
This is a pilot scheme by Ford, the NHS in Essex and community leaders to tackle access barriers where individuals have been or felt unable to attend a clinic.
Fully kitted out, the vehicle is designed to bespoke NHS specifications for safe transportation and administration of the vaccine. As Ford Motor Company is a large employer of local people in Essex, it’s a great fit.
As well as the work with local faith leaders and community groups there has also been work with travelling, and homeless communities; extra support to identify and encourage people who are carers to come forward and dedicated/small clinics codesigned to meet the needs of our most vulnerable residents.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How will it work?
Initial plans will see the NHS work with specific local community leaders to reach communities who are vulnerable to COVID-19 and those who might face barriers to accessing traditional healthcare services to co-design plans for bespoke vaccination clinics in the grounds of churches, mosques and other community locations.
Do you need an appointment?
It will depend on the location the van is visiting. For locations where appointments need to be booked, we will be working with community leaders and groups to offer a number of vaccination appointment slots that they will help us to fill. For the sites that have walk-in clinics, you can just turn up, there’s no need to book an appointment. We will advertise walk-in clinics offered by the Essex Vax Van on our walk in page.
How many people do you expect to vaccinate in a day?
This depends on a number of factors but we will be looking to maximise opportunities to offer vaccines to as many people as possible.
How much space is there on the vehicle?
While the vehicle itself can be used as a mini-clinic, we will be looking to set up a pop-up outdoor clinic alongside to maximise space for vaccination
Why the official partnership between Ford and NHS?
As Ford Motor Company is a large employer of local people in Essex it seemed a great fit. One of our GPs, and leaders of a Primary Care Network in Benfleet, Dr Smitesh Patel, got in touch to see if they could help. We are delighted to be working in partnership in what we believe to be the world’s first ever custom-built COVID-19 vaccination vehicle.
Which vaccine will be available?
Vaccines approved for use in the UK that have met strict standards of safety, quality and effectiveness set out by the independent Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
What other ways are you ensuring as many people have the jab as possible?
Residents across Essex can ring (0344 2573 961 (open 10am to 4pm, local rate