'Rock-Up' Vaccine Clinics Start

Unvaccinated islanders can now get their first Covid 19 jab at various locations across Jersey.

Mobile teams are being based at busy places - including in the Royal Square today (2 August).

An ambulance is in place with a nurse inside to administer the jab and a tent is set up nearby for the 15-minute wait in case of side effects.

Bar home visits, this is the first time that vaccines are being administered away from Fort Regent.

Ian Dyer is a staff nurse working on the vaccine programme. He says the vaccines are safe.

"I've been involved with the vaccination centre since the beginning of January.

"I've had the pleasure of vaccinating many doctors, surgeons, anaesthetists - people that understand more about vaccines than I'll ever know who are quite happy to come along, offer an arm, and get the vaccine.

"It's much better for the individuals to have the vaccine. I can understand the nervousness, unfortunately, the nervousness is also maintained through misinformation and false information that can be out there.

"Hopefully, if anyone has got any concerns, come along and have a chat with me or one of my colleagues and we can talk them through (it).

"What we're not going to do is force people to have vaccines, but we can give them proper, evidence-based information."

Other locations at which people can get their first dose this week include Springfield Stadium, the Bel Royal Burger Bar, and Les Quennevais.

Ross Barnes, the operational lead of the vaccine programme, wants people who are still hesitant to visit one of the clinics - even if they decide not to get it.

"We've got our vaccinators here who are trained nurses, they'll be able to talk anyone through the different parts of the vaccine and answer any questions that people may have.

"Just come and see it, and if you think it's something for you, we can do your vaccine there and then."

People were able to walk into Fort Regent at certain times last week to get their first dose without having to pre-book an appointment.

More than 200 people took up the opportunity.

It's been confirmed that will continue throughout the whole of August - on weekdays between 11:30am and 6:30pm and on weekends between 8:30am and 3:30pm.

As of Sunday 25 July, 76% of Jersey adults had been fully vaccinated.