THE County Durham vaccine bus will be making a return journey to East Durham to get people back on board for more COVID-19 jabs.

The MELISSA vaccination bus will be back in Peterlee, at the Castle Dene Shopping Centre, Broad Close Car Park, (behind Argos), Peterlee, between 12pm and 6pm on Friday July 2.

Over 225 people received a mixture of first and second dose vaccinations when the bus visited the town centre eight weeks ago.

Kate Huddart, head of medicines optimisation, NHS County Durham Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said: “We were extremely pleased that so many people came along to the bus to have their jab the last time it made a stop in Peterlee.

“We’re now asking anyone, over 18, to get back on board once more to ensure that everyone gets fully protected against the virus.”

The bus will offer both AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines and medical experts will be on board to answer any questions or address any issues people may have.

First and second doses of the Pfizer vaccine will be available for people aged 18 and over. Second doses will only be given to people who had their first Pfizer dose at least 8 weeks ago.

First and second doses of AstraZeneca (AZ) vaccine will be available for people age 40 and over. Second doses will only be given to people who had their first AZ dose at least eight weeks ago.

Run by health staff from Easington District Primary Care Network (PCN), the MELISSA bus, has the capacity to provide around 800 vaccines a day.

It aims to boost vaccination rates in areas where uptake has proved low and provide improved access for people who may find it difficult to get to a designated vaccination centre.

Dr Dagny Samuel, clinical lead, Easington District PCN, added: “We’ve had an incredible response to the vaccination bus, as it’s travelled around the region, with thousands of people getting a jab.

“We now need to make sure that any possible third wave of the virus doesn’t get in the way of our return to normality and freedom.

“We can only do this by making sure that everyone is offered a vaccination and gets the maximum protection as soon as possible – I’d urge anyone who is eligible and

hasn’t yet had a jab, or anyone who is due their second jab, to get on board to protect themselves and keep their communities safe.”

Alternative vaccination centres are available across County Durham include 14 local GP led vaccination sites, five community pharmacies and the Arnison Centre, large vaccination hub, Durham.