Another 2,000 vaccinations in Luton after weekend pilot scheme in car parks

The pilot weekend led to another 2,000 extra jabs being given

The pilot, at Future's House Marsh Farm, Sainsbury's in Bury Park and Luton Irish Forum in High Town, was organised jointly by Luton Borough Council and Beds, Luton and MK Clinical Commissioning Groups (BLMK CCG).

The initiative was in response to a drop in the number of vaccines after supply issues nationally (see here).

It was the second such pilot scheme, following another vaccine weekend on March 27 and 28. Together, both pilot weekends have led to over 5,000 vaccine jabs being given.

A council spokesman said: "Feedback from our community is that 99% of those attending were very satisfied with the approach.

"Many people were vaccinated who were previously reluctant or who had struggled with needing to make an appointment, often because of other medical conditions or work commitments."

Last weekend, vaccines were also made available to people aged over 30 living with someone eligible under the NHS roll-out criteria.

The spokesman added: "This encouraged those who had been reluctant to seize the opportunity of being vaccinated together with a family member.

"Those working at the clinics heard many heart-warming stories from attendees particularly vulnerable to Covid as they received their jabs, underlining our belief that the initiative has enabled us to reach those who otherwise might not have not come forward for vaccination.

"Luton Irish Forum supported us in engaging with the gypsy, Roma and traveller community, encouraging participation and providing information.

"The Mayor, Cllr Maria Lovell, visited a number of churches across the weekend which led to an increase in participation.

"Local businesses are also playing their part with the airport providing two buses used as vaccination sites and Bury Park Sainsbury’s letting us use their carpark, where we performed nearly half of our vaccinations.

"We believe this partnership approach is key and hope to build on this community engagement in future to encourage our communities to accept the invitation to get vaccinated."