Free Journeys in Vaxi Cabs to Drive Up Vaccination Rates in Luton

People living or working in Luton who are now eligible for a COVID-19 or flu vaccination, but don’t have access to transport, have been reminded that they can take advantage of the free Vaxi Cabs service to get to their local vaccination centre or pharmacy.

This taxi service, launched by Luton council, is a transport initiative that is free for anyone living or working in Luton and is eligible for the COVID-19 or flu vaccination. The initiative was launched to address situations where people didn’t get vaccinated because it was difficult for them to travel to a vaccination centre.

It provides a safe, convenient and easy way of reaching vaccine centres, including pharmacies and pop-up sites, making it as easy as possible for people to get vaccinated and ensuring that travel is not a barrier.

Approved Luton cab drivers details can be found on the Luton council website, and also where residents are able to arrange for a visit to any vaccination site. They can accommodate up to five and have carried out journeys for individuals, whole families and entire households.  These journeys can be either to or from the vaccination site, as well as round trips.

Cllr Khtija Malik, Portfolio Holder for Population Wellbeing (Public Health and Integration) at Luton council, said:

“I am so proud to have been a part of this project, this initiative has meant that we have been able to vaccinate more people in Luton and in particular those that would not have had the means to get to the vaccination sites.

“Groups like the COVID-19 Community Champions and Luton Council of Faiths were instrumental in advocating for the programme.

“The vaccine take-up rates in Luton and in particular the booster, is still very low and that is why I am so delighted that this initiative is going to carry on. We need to remove as many barriers as possible and encourage our population to get vaccinated to protect those that are more vulnerable.”

Cllr Javed Hussain, Portfolio Holder for Population Wellbeing (Adult Social Care) at Luton council, said:

“I am so pleased that we have had the continued support of our local taxi drivers and companies in Luton. Without their commitment and dedication this service would not have worked.

“Vaxi Cabs have enabled individuals and groups from our most deprived areas to have the vaccine keeping them and our communities safe. We have found the drivers to be accommodating and flexible and on one occasion when transporting Afghan evacuees from their accommodation to a mass vaccination centre, the driver waited for up to an hour so that they could all return together.”

Geraint Davies, Senior Responsible Officer for the vaccination programme for NHS Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Clinical Commissioning Group, said:

“We’re very pleased that the Vaxi Cabs service remains available for the autumn COVID booster and flu campaigns.  This is a great partnership, which has seen well over 1,000 journeys to allow people to get their important vaccinations.  I hope anyone who otherwise wouldn’t be able to get to a vaccination centre will take advantage of the scheme to do so.

“Getting vaccinated is the most important step we can take to protect ourselves, our families and our communities against COVID-19 and flu this winter. The Vaxi Cabs service provides support to our local population to enable them to get their life-saving jabs.”

COVID-19 vaccination appointments are now bookable via the National Booking Service, either online or by calling 119.  There are venues across Luton, including at the Luton Wellbeing Hub in The Mall and at over a dozen pharmacies.  Visit the Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Health and Care Partnership website for details of a venue near you.