The Big Red Kidney Bus is back on the road, but this time with a different job – giving vulnerable and at-risk communities an opportunity to have the COVID-19 vaccine.
The bus, which normally travels to holiday destinations to give patients kidney dialysis, will this week visit the Police and Citizens Youth Club in Shalvey in western Sydney.
The PCYC, which is located at 453A Luxford Rd, Shalvey, will be set up as a vaccination clinic, offering the AstraZeneca vaccine on a walk-in basis.
The bus, operated by Kidney Health Australia with staffing support from Royal North Shore Hospital, has been repurposed to serve as a mobile vaccination clinic while holidaying is not possible.
Kidney Health Australia Chief Executive Officer, Chris Forbes, said Kidney Health Australia was delighted the bus could offer critical support when it was needed most.
“The bus may be sporting a new look and be serving a different purpose, but it will still be offering a life-changing service, only this time in ensuring people are protected against COVID-19,” Mr Forbes said.
Northern Sydney Local Health District Chief Executive Deb Willcox said the rebadged bus would provide easy access to vaccines for COVID-19 to those wanting to be vaccinated.
