Burnley taxi firm offers free rides to elderly and vulnerable patients to vaccine appointments

Officials at the taxi company want to do their bit to help people aged 80 and over living in Burnley and Pendle who would otherwise find it hard to get the potentially lifesaving jab.

In order to qualify, the journey needs to start or end at the vaccination centre - and is subject to availability. Passengers need to e-mail a copy of their appointment letter to the firm before they book the free trip.

A spokesman for Delta Taxis said: "So many people are facing hardship and tough times during the pandemic and we have tried to help those who need it in any way we can.

"We are offering the free rides to senior citizens and vulnerable people who have no means of transport to get to their Covid-19 vaccination appointment. We want to help our local community beat Covid and don't want to bring any additional pressures on the NHS or GP practices. Anyone wishing to book a taxi is asked to e-mail Delta Taxis beforehand, giving us plenty of notice."

Commenting on the kind gesture, Colne Road Surgery Lead GP Dr Zulqarnain Shah, said: “It is really generous of Delta Taxis to offer this service to patients. It is vital that people take up the offer of the COVID-19 vaccination when it is offered to them. This service is a great example of the community coming together to defeat Coronavirus.

“The best way we can all do this is to have the vaccine. Millions of people have had a vaccination so far, with very few having any side affects at all. It is totally safe and very effective.”

The vaccine is currently only being offered to people aged 80 and over, care home residents and staff and frontline healthcare workers. Other priority groups will then follow in age and potential risk order. When it is your turn you will receive a letter inviting you to book a vaccine appointment.

For more information about the free transport, please call Delta Taxis on 01282 888 888.