A free taxi service is being offered to those Manchester residents who want to have the Covid jab, but may find it hard to get to a vaccination centre.
Dubbed the jab ‘n’ cab service, it will pick up people up, while also giving a lift to the city-wide vaccination programme.
The move, which is part of Manchester’s ongoing approach to reducing health inequality, aims to tackle any transport barriers that may stop people from taking up the vaccine.
To book a cab, people simply quote a code to take them to and from two vaccination centres at Belle Vue and Moss Side. The service is running now until July 18 and is being funded through Manchester’s public health work. Taxis can be booked by calling Streetcars on 0161 228 7878 and quoting ‘MossJabCab’ or ‘BelleJabCab’.
Councillor Joanna Midgley, Executive Member for Adult, Health and Wellbeing at Manchester City Council, said: “There has to be fairness around being able to take up a vaccine offer and that’s at the heart of the work we do with our Covid Health Equity group. I’d urge anyone who needs this service to take up the offer and look after themselves and their loved ones.”
In addition to the taxi shuttle, the city is also offering a minibus service for Manchester’s business and community groups to the same vaccination centres, which do not need appointments. The bus can take up to six people and those using the service will be given priority access and will not have to queue to be vaccinated. To book a mini bus or for more information, email or call Richard Taylor (richard.taylor@manchester.gov.uk, 07989 384185) or Viola Robinson (viola.robinson@manchester.gov.uk , 07779 980993).
Both transport services are for people who need their first or second dose (as long as the second dose would be more than eight weeks since the first vaccine).
Further details and contact numbers can be found on www.manchester.gov.uk/coronavirus.
