Written question WQ85124
- Asked by
- Peter FoxConservative
- To be answered by
- Minister for Health and Social Services
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 8 days
Question
What support are health boards expected to provide to people who cannot drive or access reliable public transport to help them access a COVID-19 vaccination?
Answer
Answered by Minister for Health and Social Services
Accessibility arrangements at vaccination venues are the responsibility of health boards, which have developed local plans. Health boards will have assessed each venue with accessibility in mind and put in place the relevant adjustments.
Since the commencement of the programme, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board has worked closely with its local authorities to identify community transport links to support residents to access their COVID-19 vaccination. If patients contact the Mass Vaccination Booking Centre, advice is provided regarding community transport in that area.
In circumstances where residents are unable to attend their allocated appointment, they are encouraged to contact the Booking Centre to rearrange a more suitable time and/or venue, according to clinics being delivered at that time. For those residents who are classified housebound by their GP, mobile teams deliver vaccination to these residents in their homes.
In addition to the main mass vaccination centres, pop-up clinics are regularly organised in targeted communities across Gwent, including communities in Monmouthshire and further are being planned as the Spring Booster programme progresses.