Windsor & Eton Express

Elderly asked to travel ‘great distances’ for COVID vaccine

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BUCKS: Elderly people across the county have demanded to know why they are being asked to travel great distances for their COVID vaccinatio­n, writes Local Democracy Reporter Rory Butler.

Confused residents called on Bucks Council leader Martin Tett to reassure them against letters they had from the NHS about the jab, with some being asked to travel as far away as Bristol.

Letters were issued after seven mass vaccinatio­n centres opened across England, explaining how people can book a slot. They were sent to people aged 80 or above who live 30 to 45 minutes’ drive from one of the new sites, according to the council.

The nearest sites to Bucks are in Surrey, London and Stevenage. However, Cllr Tett reported some people had been asked to book an appointmen­t in Bristol.

One Twitter user said ‘these are elderly and vulnerable people’, adding ‘if true it’s unforgivab­le’.

In response, Cllr Tett said: “The letter explains how to book a vaccinatio­n slot over the phone or online through the national booking service. The national booking service is in addition to the local systems.”

An NHS spokespers­on added: “The seven centres are an additional option for people to get vaccinated if it is convenient for them. If it is not, they can use one of their local vaccinatio­n centres in the coming weeks.”

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