27 March 2025
“Last chance” call over flu vaccinations
Thousands of eligible people in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes who have not yet come forward for flu vaccinations have been reminded that they have…
Home >> news >> Free Journeys in Vaxi Cabs to Drive Up Vaccination Rates in Luton
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.
27 March 2025
“Last chance” call over flu vaccinations
Thousands of eligible people in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes who have not yet come forward for flu vaccinations have been reminded that they have…
26 March 2025
Youth Parliament Members urge NHS Board to innovate and prevent illness
Young voices took centre stage at the Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board (BLMK ICB) meeting on 21 March, as members of the…
25 March 2025
Women’s Health Summit to launch new Women’s Health Network
A Women’s Health Summit will be held this week to mark the launch ofa new Women’s Health Network for Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes (BLMK). BLMK Integrated Care Board (ICB)…
14 March 2025
Women unite for breast cancer awareness on International Women’s Day
Demonstrating a strong sense of community solidarity, women from Bedford’s Caribbean community gathered at Fujifilm in Bedford this week to mark International Women’s Day. The event focused on raising awareness…
14 March 2025
Robotic pets provide comfort and companionship for local residents
With funding from NHS England, the Digitising Social Care programme at Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Health and Care Partnership is evaluating the impact of RoboPets on adults receiving social…
11 March 2025
BLMK performance higher than regional and national averages for meeting key A&E…
Despite a challenging winter, NHS services in Bedfordshire, Luton, and Milton Keynes (BLMK) performed better than the regional and national average for four-hour waits in A&E whilst also making good…