Our immunisation team were hugely successful in a drive to vaccinate marginalised communities living in Forth Valley including gypsy travellers, the homeless, refugees and asylum seekers.
Attendance at some sessions was as high as 85% and, in addition to providing Covid-19 vaccines, staff were able to carry out targeted health promotion work. This included education about Naloxone and supplying take-home kits, mental health and Covid-19 safety advice as well as signposting to other local services.
The team delivered the Covid-19 vaccines in partnership with the Scottish Ambulance Service using a specially prepared mobile unit. Jillian Taylor, Operational Lead for NHS Forth Valley’s Vaccination Programme said feedback has been very positive.
She explained: “Those attending were really grateful for the mobile unit. People said they felt more comfortable dealing with fewer numbers and some, who were really scared and suffering anxiety, were grateful for being able to have their support worker with them. Reaching out to people in this way means we have protected some of the most vulnerable in our society who are most at risk of contracting Covid-19.”
The programme saw almost 180 people vaccinated and the mobile unit stopped at supported accommodation and traveller sites across Forth Valley.
