Published on Monday 12 July 2021
People in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole are being urged to get free taxicabs to help them grab their life-saving COVID-19 jab.
Anyone who needs help to get to their vaccination can call BCP’s COVID-19 helpline on 0300 123 7052 (staffed 9am-5pm Monday-Friday).
The council is offering support to towards the costs of a taxi journey to local vaccination appointments for those who need it.
It comes as more local walk-in jab clinics open their doors in the coming days and weeks across Bournemouth.
As well as walk-in clinics, jabs are available at GP surgeries and at a growing network of nine local community pharmacies.
Councillor Nicola Greene, Portfolio Holder for COVID-19 Resilience and Public Health at BCP Council said: "It's so important that people aren't put off having their vaccination because travel is difficult, so we're providing financial support to those who need it to help them get to a local clinic. Just call our community response line on 0300 123 7052 and our team can help."
Public Health Dorset says it has reviewed all the transport companies involved in the scheme to ensure they have the necessary COVID-secure measures in place. This includes the use of face coverings and plastic screens, as well as enhanced cleaning measures.
Sam Crowe, Director of Public Health for Dorset and BCP Councils, said: "We want to make sure that everyone who wants to get their COVID jabs can get to their appointments, so we’re offering this scheme to anyone who needs it. Vaccines are being offered at several locations so if there’s one nearby and you need some help getting there, please give BCP Council a call and the team will talk to you about how we can help."
Partners across the health and care system in Dorset are working together on the Dorset COVID-19 vaccination programme, including the NHS, local authorities, and Public Health Dorset.