ANYONE in St Helens needing a COVID-19 vaccination can now benefit from free transport to the Totally Wicked Stadium.

St Helens Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and St Helens Borough Council have announced they will be offering free transport to Saints for anyone who still hasn’t had their first vaccine or who can’t get there for their second dose.

All St Helens residents can claim a free bus voucher that can be used across Merseytravel, Stagecoach and Arriva enabling people to get to and from the stadium.

The CCG and council are also piloting a free door-to-door transport service with local business DriverNet for anyone with mobility issues or timing problems with taking the bus.

Julie Ashurst, director of commissioning, primary care and transformation at St Helens CCG, said: “Uptake of vaccines has been great in St Helens so far, but a lot of people have told us that they have had issues getting to Saints, either because of the expense or they don’t have someone who can give them a lift, or they aren’t confident using buses for any reason.

“We hope that the bus voucher and the door-to-door service will remove any barriers for those who haven’t yet come forward for their vaccine or haven’t returned for their second dose.

“It is really important to have both vaccines to get the optimum protection against the virus, and by doing this, we can help anyone who needs it to access a vaccine more easily.”

Cllr Anthony Burns, cabinet member for wellbeing, culture and heritage at St Helens Borough Council, added: “It’s great that the vast majority of people across St Helens Borough have heeded the call to get vaccinated when the programme has opened up to them, however there are still some who have not yet accessed their vaccine.

“Getting vaccinated helps to severely reduce your risk of serious illness, if you are unfortunate enough to catch Covid-19.

“By getting your vaccine, you will also not just be protecting yourself but also others around you and reduce the impact on our NHS services who have seen the number of patients with Covid-19 grow.

“With case rates high across the borough if you haven’t yet got to get vaccinated you must do so urgently.

“Thanks to this free transport service we are removing one of the barriers that may have stopped some from being able to access free vaccinations before now and with open drop-in vaccinations available seven days a week at The Totally Wicked Stadium you can get your vaccination with ease.”

To access the voucher or request the transport service, contact the St Helens Contact Centre on 01744 676789.