THE roving Covid booster bus will be staying on the Isle of Wight for a while longer.

The first booster vaccines were dished out from the bus yesterday in Sandown, where more than 250 third vaccines were given to those eligible.

Earlier this week the Hampshire, Southampton and Isle of Wight Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) announced increased accessibility to booster vaccines on the Island following concerns.

Originally, it was thought the bus would only visit three towns on four days with the capacity to give 1,750 booster vaccines.

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But today (Friday), the senior responsible officer and programme director for the Island's vaccination programme, Jane Ansell, said the bus would stay on the Island and deliver more vaccinations next week.

Speaking at the Isle of Wight Council's local outbreak engagement board, Ms Ansell said the bus would pause after its four-day stint but be out on either Tuesday or Wednesday next week, once staffing is confirmed.

The bus will be back for at least another four days, Ms Ansell said.

Further information on dates, times and locations will be released later next week.

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The bus has been aimed at those over 40 plus who are eligible for the vaccine but increased capacity will also be introduced at the Riverside Centre next week.