A new project will see black cabs used to transport vulnerable residents in Penge to a pop-up vaccine centre in the High Street next week.

The 'Vaxi Taxi' project will operate on Tuesday, May 25, between noon and 4pm, in an effort to support residents who may be homeless, refugees, or in temporary accommodation.

The project is a service devised and run across London by Covid Crisis Rescue Foundation, and supported by NHS England and London Fire Brigade, which aims to help get people to readily accessible COVID vaccine pop up clinics set up in local areas – especially where there is lower uptake of the vaccine.

The Penge vaccine and health event will offer the vaccine and a wide range of other health checks to eligible residents, especially those who may not access healthcare services such as the homeless, refugees or those living in temporary accommodation.

A free lunch will be provided, as well as free toiletry goodie packages for those in need.

The Vaxi Taxis will be used to transport people who have difficulties travelling to and from the event to get their vaccine.

Penge was chosen as the place to have the event as the uptake of the COVID vaccine is lower in that part of the Bromley borough.

Dr Sharon Raymond, GP and Director of Covid Crisis Rescue Foundation said, “The Vaxi Taxi Project makes vaccination accessible for all communities and provides an important opportunity for a general health check too, as we provide a range of health assessments, and podiatry.

 

“It helps us reach the heart of communities, helping those who may be unable or reluctant to use public transport and who have no access to private transport, to get safely to a vaccine clinic.

“You can even choose to have the vaccine whilst inside the taxi. The emphasis of my Covid Crisis Rescue Foundation is to address inequalities of health and the needs of hidden communities.”

Dr Alka Sharma, GP and Clinical Director for the network of GP services providing the Covid vaccination in Penge, Bromley said, “We are delighted to be working with the Covid Crisis Rescue Foundation to put on our special Penge vaccine and health event. This event is the latest in a series of pop up vaccination clinics we have recently run in the area including clinics at Anerley Town Hall and Penge library.

“We want to make it as easy and convenient as possible for people to get their vaccine. As well as getting vaccinated, there are a number of different health checks on offer – all are free, including a healthy meal.

“The vaccine is the best way to protect you and your loved ones. Our team of clinicians are happy to talk to anyone who is not sure about whether to have the vaccine and needs more information”.

The Penge vaccine and health event takes place from 12 to 4pm on Tuesday 25 May on Penge High Street, Empire Square, SE20 7EX.

Health checks include blood pressure monitoring, Body Mass Index checks, Hepatitis C freeTesting and a foot health service.

People can also get help registering with a GP practice. To book a vaccine at the event, or to request the Vaxi Taxi call 020 8175 0473.