Lancashire’s COVID-19 autumn booster outreach campaign will officially launch in Preston next week.Lancashire’s COVID-19 autumn booster outreach campaign will officially launch in Preston next week.

Two mobile vaccine units (MVUs) will be deployed at Preston College on Tuesday 27 September and Wednesday 28 September from 10am – 4pm.

Anyone who is eligible for their autumn booster, or those who are not up-to-date with their vaccinations, can pop down with no appointment needed to boost their immune system ahead of the winter months.

A seasonal autumn booster is available for:

• All adult aged 50 years and over
• All carers plus residents and staff of care homes
• All frontline health and social care workers
• Anyone immunosuppressed and household contacts

Working in partnership with NHS vaccination leads across the patch, Lancashire County Council's Public Health team has developed the Mobile Vaccine Unit model, which will utilise a fleet of repurposed vans that were previously used to test residents for COVID-19.

The vans will now support the national vaccination effort and will be deployed to various locations across the county targeting those that have previously been in low up take areas.

A full programme of the MVU locations across Lancashire can be found here: Lancashire Pop Up locations

Cllr Jennifer Mein, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing at Preston City Council, said: “Preston College was chosen for launch of the Mobile Vaccination Units as we had tremendous take up last time we visited this location and we hope to reach as many people as possible again this year. Community-led volunteers from the college will help to deliver leaflets to their local community, many of whom will be eligible.

“We are urging people to stay well and healthy this winter by offering lots of different ways in which you get your booster jabs nice and early, ahead of any nasty illnesses that may come our way in the approaching colder months.”

Cllr Michael Green, Lancashire County Council's Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: "I am delighted that the County Council's Public Health team has developed this innovative Mobile Vaccination Unit model. This new outreach programme will enhance the existing offer for those who live and work in Lancashire.

"The programme builds on the strong partnership working that has been pivotal to Lancashire's response to the pandemic. Over the coming months, we will be bringing our Mobile Vaccination Units to locations across the county that need it most, to protect our communities this winter."

Dr Sakthi Karunanithi, Director of Public Health, Lancashire County Council, said: "Getting your autumn booster and your flu vaccine are two of the most important things you can do to keep yourself and others safe this winter.

"If you are eligible, please come forward for your jab as soon as possible for maximum protection ahead of winter, when viruses can cause greatest harm."

Carole McCann, chief nurse for the Lancashire and South Cumbria COVID-19 vaccination programme, said: “This is another innovative way to help our local communities get their COVID-19 vaccines when due. We want to ensure that everyone gets the protection they need as quickly and conveniently as possible ahead of the winter months.

“I would urge everyone who is eligible to get this vaccine. COVID-19 is still a virus that can make you seriously ill. The best way to protect yourself is to get the vaccine when it is offered to you.”

The autumn COVID-19 booster programme is amongst a package of measures to prepare for winter as the health service in Lancashire and South Cumbria continues to face record demand on its urgent and emergency services.