Dorset Council, along with Public Health Dorset, is offering support towards the cost of a taxi to get to a local vaccination centre for those who couldn’t otherwise afford to pay the cab fare.
With Covid infection rates still high across the county, residents are being asked to avoid putting themselves at risk by sharing a car with people outside of their household or support bubble to get to their vaccination appointment.
“It’s important to get there safely”
Councillor Laura Miller, Dorset Council cabinet member for adult social care and health, said:
“Many residents will be anxious to get to their vaccination appointments but it’s important to get there safely. If you can’t get to your appointment independently and there isn’t someone in your household or support bubble who can help, there are safe options available to you.”
Offering support to those eligible, towards the costs of a taxi journey
Information about local public transport, taxi services and community transport are available by contacting the helpline at Dorset Council. The council is also offering support to those eligible, towards the costs of a taxi journey to local vaccination appointments.
A spokesperson from Public Health Dorset explained:
“It’s for people who need a taxi for a local journey to their appointment but otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford to take one. Colleagues on the helplines will discuss individuals needs and the support they might need with them.”
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.
For those who are housebound, local GPs are organising for them to receive their jab at home.
There has been a good uptake in Dorset of the offer to have a Covid vaccination with 201,211 doses of the vaccine having been administered to Dorset residents up to Sunday 7th February 2021.
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council is also offering the same travel support to its residents to get to a vaccination centre.
Further information and contacts
For help with transport to a vaccination centre phone Dorset Council’s Dorset Together helpline 01305 221000 or complete the online form
For BCP residents, they should contact their community response helpline on 0300 1237052 or complete the online form
