For the region’s president, Laurent Wauquiez, the equation is simple: “If we want to succeed in the vaccination campaign, we must succeed in traveling to the centers that practice this action. “
Up to ten minibuses for the three vaccination centers
In a department as large as the Haute-Loire, the problem of transportation to Yssingeaux, Le Puy-en-Velay and Brioude (the vaccination centers in place in the department) for some older than 75, but graduate vaccination can be a barrier.
This is why the region, together with deputies, health professionals and the town hall, has found a “simple and pragmatic” solution to this mobility problem. A dozen minibuses (most of which had been financed 100% by the region) belonging to sports clubs will be lent by the latter
at vaccination centers. Four will equip Yssingeaux, idem in Puy-en-Velay, and two will go to Brioude.
The staff of the around twenty municipalities that have already accepted this option will be responsible for identifying the inhabitants who are likely to be vaccinated. “If they can travel, the contact information will be sent to the vaccination center, which will make an appointment depending on the doses of vaccine that arrive. If this is not the case, the center can organize transportation with the Covid cell, the region’s president explains. Six transports are already planned, only in Yssingeaux in the next few days.
“It simply came to our notice then. Because with 21,000 elderly people who can be vaccinated in the Haute-Loire, the call center is overwhelmed and the doses are not there, ”bothers Laurent Wauquiez. For him, minibuses are a first step in a transport system for the vaccine to which he wants taxis to be added.
For Yssingeaux, the football clubs of US Suc et Lignon and AS Grazac-Lapte have made minibuses available, such as ASM Basket, Union cycliste du Velay, Handisport Association and COP Rugby for Le Puy-en-Velay.