People in the East Riding can now travel to coronavirus vaccine appointments for free on the bus under new plans.
East Yorkshire Buses has put on free travel to people who show proof of an appointment at an East Riding vaccination site, such as an NHS booking confirmation.
East Yorkshire Buses Area Director Ben Gilligan said:
“Anything that we can do to encourage people to attend vaccine appointments will help us all get back to normal life quicker, so when the NHS asked us to help them in their mission to get as many people vaccinated as possible, we didn’t hesitate.”
NHS East Riding of Yorkshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) Chair Dr Anne Jeffreys said she was pleased the service was launching to help people struggling to get to vaccine sites.
It comes as more than 28,000 people in the East Riding who are eligible for booster jabs have not yet come forward.
Figures for East Riding vaccine uptake rates show more than one in 10, 10.1 per cent, of people locally have not yet had their first jab.
More than 15 per cent of people in the East Riding are yet to have their second vaccine while almost 30 per cent have not yet had their booster jab.
Free bus travel is only available to and from East Riding vaccination sites but is open to people travelling to them from outside the area, for instance from Hull.
Mr Gilligan said:
“It’s great that we can play a small part in defeating the virus and helping to beat this pandemic for good.”
Dr Jeffreys said:
“It’s never too late for people to have their COVID-19 vaccine.
“The vaccination programme is still open and available to everyone who needs it.
“I would encourage those people who haven’t yet had any of their vaccines to use the online NHS booking service to book their jab, this way they will receive the required proof of booking for free travel to the vaccination site.
“Or for those with their own transport, simply walk into a local walk-in site, there are a number throughout Hull and East Riding.”
Zoe Stevens, East Riding Council’s public health nurse consultant, said:
“We are delighted to support the launch of the East Yorkshire Buses and the East Riding of Yorkshire CCG free travel initiative.
“We want everyone who is eligible to have the ability to access their vaccine, wherever they live in the local authority, and for as many East Riding residents who can, to get vaccinated.
“If you have already had your jabs, and you can, why not help someone else get their booster, first or second vaccine?
“It’s never too late to get vaccinated. There are a host of walk-in or pre-booked clinics available in the East Riding, just select the best option for you.”
People can find their nearest vaccination site in the East Riding and book appointments at: http://www.vaccinatehullandeastriding.co.uk/.
Information on bus timetables is available at: http://www.eastyorkshirebuses.co.uk/ or by calling: 01482 59 29 29.
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