A NEW bus service launched in Bolton today ­— and catching it could very well save your life!

Bolton's Covid-19 Vaccination Bus Service, thought to be the first of its kind in Greater Manchester, made its first stop in Great Lever today to administer the life-saving vaccine.

It will be on the road for the next three months.

People who have not had their first dose of the life-saving vaccine are urged to hop on ­— if they fit the eligibility criteria ­— and no ticket or appointment is required.

Today it is parked on Rupert Street at Bolton Medical Centre until 4pm, and those living in the borough are being urged to get on board.

Bolton Covid-19 Vaccination Bus rolls into town

Bolton Covid-19 Vaccination Bus rolls into town

Dr Helen Wall (pictured) from Bolton Clinical Commissioning Group leading the vaccination programme, said: "The bus is to bring the vaccine to people in the community, we realised fairly early on that access was a barrier  - if you can't get the bus or are immobile and need to rely on someone to take you to a centre.

"When we did pop-up centres people came flooding in. This bus means we can get to that street level ­— our research suggests that there is not that much reticence about taking the vaccine, it is getting to get the vaccine, which is very different to what we though the barriers might be. We need to make this as easy as possible, for those who are looking after children, elderly relatives or are on low income."

Dr Wall said that vaccine roll out was making a huge difference in Bolton with lower admissions to hospital and rates falling.

She welcomed the news that younger ages groups, the 45s and over, are now eligible for the vaccine after seeing young people fall extremely ill because of the virus.

Dr Wall said: "I'm really excited we are going to soon move down to these younger age people and give them the vaccine because I think that will reduce our rates even further.

"I have seen some really sick young people, more than I have ever seen in my entire career. It's frightening, you would not think they would be affected by covid and you see them and they are really quite poorly."

The first person to hop-on board to have the jab was Father Pawel Stebel of the Good Shepherd Church in Bolton.

Father Pawel Stebel with Dr Dr Zulqarnain Ahmed on the Covid-19 vaccination bus

Father Pawel Stebel with Dr Dr Zulqarnain Ahmed on the Covid-19 vaccination bus

He has witnessed the heartbreak families have experienced through deaths caused by the virus.

He said: "I am doing this for the people in the community to protect from coronavirus, which has affected thousands and thousands of people.

"The youngest funeral I did was for a person aged 54, there was just me and the funeral directors, it was very said.

"I never thought I would see something like this in my lifetime ­— and this is the reason I am doing this to promote this vaccine."

Tracey Whitehouse, aged 56, said: "I never thought I would be catching a bus like this, I think it is a wonderful idea it brings more people along, especially for those who can't get about.

"It it is very relaxed, you are not as nervous like you could walking into a big medical centre and waiting.They make you feel so relaxed, they explained everything because I was a little nervous, I'm glad I have had it."

Bolton Covid-19 Vaccination Bus rolls into town

Bolton Covid-19 Vaccination Bus rolls into town

The Vaccination Bus will initially make stops around the Deane, Daubhill, Derby and Great Lever areas, but it could be coming to a street, community venue or place of worship anywhere in Bolton.

The 12.5 metre single decker coach has been kitted out to provide three vaccination booths.

A Covid-secure one-way system will be in place and wheelchair lift access is available.

The Vaccination Bus will be parked up at key locations for a set period of time and anyone who spots the bus and fits the criteria, can be vaccinated there and then.

Dr Zulqarnain Ahmed said:"I think this is a brilliant initiative.

"The bus is great and it is absolutely amazing, we can go to various different places and people can have easy access and they can hop on have the vaccination and hop off and it is just done and there are no long queues.

"People have been excited about the bus because it improves the access, people who are a bit hesitant about the vaccine you can speak to people and explain it well and they are happy to go ahead.

"I have not had anyone who has refused the vaccination after we have spoken to them."

Teams will also be in the areas, knocking on doors and drumming up interest, and representatives from local community groups will be on hand to welcome people.

Health professionals will be available if anyone wishes to discuss their vaccination or has concerns.

Duncan Aspinall from Holmeswood Coaches Ltd said: “ We are delighted to be involved in this initiative, it’s great to see such an effort being made to ensure a successful roll out of the vaccination programme. “

“We can already see the shoots of recovery in our own business that the vaccinations are helping to make possible.”

On Saturday, April 17 the bus will be parked at The Olive Tree Primary School, opposite Shree Kutch Satsang Swaminarayan Temple, in Adelaide Street (also known as SKSSP Hindu Temple). Also from 10am to 4pm.