FALL RIVER (WPRI) — Getting a vaccine may be as easy as hopping on a bus.
In Massachusetts, the state’s Vax Bus is a targeted approach to combat vaccine hesitancy, helping to bring vaccines where people are. The bus plans to travel to over a dozen communities between now and the beginning of August.
The buses will spend one or two days in each community and will host one to three clinics each day. The clinics will offer the two-dose Pfizer vaccine for residents ages 12 and older and one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine for residents ages 18 and older.
“It’s a lot more personable, and we get to have a few minutes with the clients coming in, and it’s not like going to one of your pharmacies, which is also available,” said a nurse with Purple Shield, the medical staff company partnering with Yankee Line motor coach company for the bus tour.
Data released by health officials shows 68% of Massachusetts residents are partially vaccinated. The data shows only 56% of Bristol County residents have gotten one dose.
The weekly data also shows less than 50% of kids 12 to 15, teens 16 to 19, and residents 20 to 29 have received their first dose in Bristol County.
“Hopefully we can increase the vaccination rate and make the people that are unvaccinated more comfortable in our communities,” the nurse continued.
Those who want a vaccine will be asked to fill out a quick health questionnaire, though an ID or health insurance card are not required.
Residents who get vaccinated during the Vax Bus Tour will be entered into a giveaway for select TD Garden concert tickets, including Enrique Iglesias and Ricky Martin, The Weeknd, and the Kiss 108 Jingle Ball.
Attleboro:
July 14: 1 pm to 7 pm, Willett Elementary School
Aug. 4: 1 pm to 7 pm, Willett Elementary School
Dartmouth:
June 16: Time TBD, Dartmouth Mall
Aug. 6: Time TBD, Dartmouth Mall
Fall River:
July 14: 7 am to 2 pm, Government Center
Aug. 4: 7 am to 2 on, Government Center
New Bedford:
Aug. 1: 10 am to 4 pm, Brooklawn Park, 1997 Acushnet Ave
Taunton:
Aug. 2: 12 pm to 3 pm, Lenox Green, 45 Mason St.
Aug. 2: 4 to 7 pm, Bristol Commons Community Center, 101 Fairground Ave.
