Scania bus morphs into mobile COVID jab unit

In an Australian first, the GV Health Local Public Health Unit (LPHU) located in Shepparton in the Goulburn Valley in Victoria, has launched a dedicated COVID-19 vaccination bus, affectionately known as ‘Jabba the Bus’.

Commencing from early September, the vaccination bus will travel across the LPHU catchment area - which includes the local government areas of Greater Shepparton, Moira Shire, Benalla Shire, Strathbogie Shire, Mitchell Shire, Mansfield Shire, Murrindindi Shire and Campaspe Shire (Kyabram and surrounds) – to deliver COVID-19 vaccinations.

The vaccination bus addresses key barriers to accessing COVID-19 vaccinations in the LPHU including geographical distance, access to transport, and the various challenges people face in their everyday lives.

GV Health worked collaboratively with Dyson Group Shepparton to make the vaccination bus concept come to fruition.

“We are delighted that the vaccination bus vision has now become a reality with support from the Dyson Group. It is GV Health’s role to vaccinate as many people as possible in the catchment area - the vaccination bus will help us reach isolated communities and enable people to be vaccinated close to where they live”, said Matt Sharp, GV Health Chief Executive.

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“Dyson's is excited to join forces with GV Health on this vaccination initiative. As a proud member of the Goulburn Valley community, we want to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to get vaccinated no matter where they live. We hope “Jabba the Bus” can help get us back to normal as fast as possible,” said Roy Dyson, Regional Operations Manager of the Dyson Group of Companies.

The vaccination bus contains three vaccination pods, in a COVID Safe environment, and is disability-friendly. It will offer both Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccinations in line with the Government’s vaccination guidelines.

The GV Health team is working collaboratively with stakeholders across the LPHU region in all aspects of managing the mobile vaccination bus model of care.

If you see Jabba the Bus in your community, be sure to stop by, say hello and get a jab if you haven't already had one!