Wiltshire Council has revealed the options available for residents who may struggle to get to their vaccine appointments.

To ensure people don't miss out because of lack of transportation, schemes are in place to help those who can't get to a vaccination site independently.

These are run by volunteers who can step in to help those who have no other alternative and would otherwise be unble to get their jab.

To get to their appointments residents can either:

  • use their own vehicle, public transport or a private taxi
  • get a lift from family, friends or neighbours
  • use the Link Schemes running across Wiltshire
  • reschedule their appointment to a different time and day when they have access to transport
  • call the Wiltshire Wellbeing Hub if none of the above options are available

Start time restrictions on Wiltshire Council bus passes have been temporarily lifted to give people more options.

The Link Schemes run by voluntary groups have so far made over 450 journeys, the council says, helping residents to their vaccinations. 

Their services are not free and request a donation be made instead.

If a resident has no alternative means to get to a vaccination appointment and has had no success with the options above, the council will provide access to a taxi.

Residents can contact the Wiltshire Wellbeing Hub who will complete and submit a transport vaccination form.

The day before the journey, one of the council’s co-ordinators will contact the resident to check some key Covid questions to ensure the transport is safe to go ahead as planned.

Cllr Bridget Wayman, Cabinet Member for Highways, said: “We want to make sure that everyone who has been offered an appointment for their vaccine doesn’t miss out.

“If people have considered all other options and are having trouble accessing transport to get to their appointments, we urge them to contact our wellbeing hub, who can help arrange transport if required.

“The vaccine is our way out of this, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you need us.”

For more information, contact the council’s Wiltshire Wellbeing Hub via wellbeinghub@wiltshire.gov.uk or by calling 0300 003 4576.

The hub is available from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, and 10am to 4pm on Saturdays.

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