A NEW bus service takes to the road this week ­— and it is one that residents do not want to miss.

Health bosses have launched the “Bolton Vaccination Bus” which will travel through the borough urging those eligible for the potentially life-saving coronavirus vaccine get on board and get the jab.

It is the latest in a number of vaccination initiatives launched by Bolton Clinical Commissioning Group to ensure as many as possible receive the jab.

The bus is for those who are eligible but have not yet received the first jab.

The bus will be on the road for a number of weeks and residents are being urged to look out for it

Announcing the new bus service, health bosses said: "Don’t miss the bus! Get your first dose of the Covid-19 vaccination if you meet current criteria.

The Bolton Vaccination Bus will be out and about over the next few weeks. Jump on board or your GP may be in touch. If you’re unsure, come along and speak to us.

"If you spot us, come for a chat!"

More details where the bus will be pulling in will be released in the coming days.

Bolton is currently vaccinating people aged 50 and over, anyone with a long term health condition, carers, and people who are shielding.

Latest figures show that an estimated 97,503 or 94.3 per cent of people aged 50 and over have received the first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine

.To encourage people to get the jab, Bolton CCG has opened pop-up vaccination centres in communities as well as a mass vaccination centre at the University of Bolton Stadium.

The Covid-19 vaccination programme is being led nationally by NHS England, and Bolton CCG is managing arrangements at a local level.

Vaccination of residents is according to a priority list, as set out by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), based on age and vulnerability of people and the risk of them becoming seriously ill and dying from Covid-19.