People in Hadleigh and surrounding villages can today take advantage of free bus and taxi rides to get to their vaccination appointment or to a vaccine drop-in clinic.

The offer is open to anyone in the county who needs help getting to their appointment or a drop-in clinic for a first, second or booster vaccination and will will be in place until December 29.

The free travel is part of Suffolk's system-wide approach to deliver on the Government's programme that everyone over the age of 18 gets their booster vaccination by the New Year.

Both the free bus travel and the Vaxi Taxi offer is now open to all.

Stuart Keeble, Director of Public Health at Suffolk County Council, said: "It's important that we remove any barrier that people may face in getting their booster.

"For some people this barrier might be transport so we've offering free travel to make it extra easy for everyone.

"It's critical that we vaccinate as many people as possible in order to protect ourselves and those around us from severe illness."

Ed Garratt, Chief Executive of the Suffolk and North East Essex Clinical Commissioning Groups, said: "It's so important that everyone eligible comes forward for their vaccination.

"Through this arrangement we are making it even easier for people to attend their appointment. So if you do not own a vehicle, cannot afford travel costs or live in a rural area which is not served by public transport, please take advantage of this free offer.

"Please book your booster vaccination appointment through the National Booking System – which is accessible though our website – www.sneevaccine.org.uk – or attend one of the many walk-in clinics which are available and please arrange your transport through this scheme."

For bus travel: From today, people can use any Suffolk bus for a free return journey. You will simply need to show the bus driver either your text or email with your vaccination appointment confirmation.

For those who have been invited by phone or are visiting a drop-in clinic you will just need to tell the bus driver which vaccination centre you are going to. For more information visit suffolkonboard/booster-bus

For taxi travel: The Vaxi Taxi scheme is open to everyone aged 12+ and consists of a free return journey to your vaccination appointment.

For a list of the taxi companies signed up for the scheme, please visit www.suffolk.gov.uk/GetVaccinated. Children will need to be accompanied by a parent or carer during the journey and at the vaccination site.

For community transport: please contact the Connecting Communities operator where you live. Click on the appropriate council area on the map here for booking information.

A list of each travel option and helpful links, including the nearest bus routes, are available on the vaccination website, the Suffolk and North Essex COVID-19 Vaccination Service. On this website you will find details of vaccinations clinics and sites.

To book a vaccination appointment, click here...