Elderly people have raised concerns that travelling long distances for a coronavirus jab could put them at risk of catching the virus.

The vaccine to provide immunity against Covid-19 is currently being offered to people over 70 and those considered clinically extremely vulnerable in Enfield and across the country.

But this means some face long journeys by taxi or public transport to travel to a vaccination centre. It has led to fears people could catch the virus on the journey – and, coupled with the cost of travel, that could put them off having the jab.

Vaccines do not offer instant protection against Covid-19. Government guidance states that “it may take a week or two for your body to build up some protection from the first dose of vaccine”.

Tom Devine, who is in late 70s and lives in Oakwood, said: “People have been offered vaccines at the Evergreen Centre in Edmonton, or Carlton House Surgery in Tenniswood Road.

“I was given a lift by a family member. Otherwise, I would have been faced with two options – a minicab or getting two buses.

“I would have been worried. Even getting in a minicab, I would be concerned – I would put myself at greater risk of catching the virus. For the past couple of weeks, I have avoided getting on buses or the Tube. I have not been using the local shops for ten days or so.”

Brenda Pearse is chairman of the residents’ association at Chaddlewood – a sheltered housing complex of 91 flats in Cockfosters.

Ms Pearse said: “Most of the people here are in their late 70s, 80s and 90s. They are receiving letters either to go to Enfield Town, Edmonton Green, or Edgware. One lady got told Stevenage or Birmingham. It is ludicrous.

“You have to get on a bus – and they are telling you not to travel – or you have to get in a cab. You don’t know who has been in there before. Some people are refusing to do it – which is putting them in danger as well.

“We all live on a pension here. A lot of people are on benefits. To go anywhere in a cab is going to cost them £30. A lot of them are asking relatives to take them.”

Ms Pearse suggested the vaccine could be offered to residents on site. “We have got a huge lounge here – it has two entrances,” she said. “People could come in one entrance and out the other, and everyone could be socially distanced.”

Oliver Dines, who lives in Chaddlewood, also warned some people in sheltered housing would not be able to afford a taxi fare and could be at risk of catching the virus if they travelled on a bus.

He said it could affect 800 residents living in council-run sheltered housing in the borough and thousands more across London.

Mr Dines is campaigning for the Government, NHS and councils to work together to offer on-site vaccinations so people in sheltered housing do not have to undertake long journeys to get their jabs.

NHS England and North Central London Clinical Commissioning Group have been approached for comment.

The Government guidance on Covid-19 vaccinations is available here.