CWC23018 Covid-19 Vaccination Service.

As a result of the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, it was determined that an additional vaccination programme was required to improve access and maximise vaccine uptake in certain geographical areas, communities and groups with low coverage/access.

The service aims to deliver an increase in vaccination uptake amongst hard-to-reach communities and identified groups using a flexible and roving service model. It is prudent to continue this service offer to provide regular clinics to enable continuity and an equitable service to those in hard-to-reach communities and more vulnerable service groups.

The programme provides an enhanced offer and complements the existing community provision. The aim is to significantly reduce the number of the unvaccinated eligible population. The enhanced service is required as existing vaccination provision will be predominantly focused on children and young people, and booster vaccinations, and without the expansion of provision, the community offer will be significantly reduced.

NHS England (NHSE) have allocated funding to deliver a roving vaccination model due to the closure of COVID Vaccination Centres. NHSE consider it prudent to offer this service offer to provide “mop-up roving” clinics and “engagement sessions” to enable continuity of access to those in hard-to-reach communities who have not yet received their first, second or booster doses of the vaccine, and to build on those relationships Access to vaccination provision is via an NHS England and Improvement (NHSEI) approved accredited supplier. The provider has well-established relationships with the vulnerable targeted cohorts and local communities they are working in.

Direct award ensures that there is continuity of service provision with consistent offer across the Black Country region. Benefits of a timely mobilisation is paramount in that any delay to service delivery which would impact on the enhanced vaccination offer – Reg32 (2)(c)

The services are caught under the Light Touch Regime (Miscellaneous health services), processed via direct award, and is in accordance with the Public Contract Regulations 2015.