COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Information
For more information
If you want more information about how we can support local people who are concerned about COVID-19 please visit the council’s website: www.kirklees.gov.uk/Covid19response
Current Covid-19 vaccine information
All children aged 5-11 are now being offered COVID-19 vaccinations in line with the latest advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). As well as protecting children against serious COVID infection and long covid, this will reduce the risk of children passing on the infection to others.
Appointments available at selected vaccination centres
Appointments are available at selected vaccination centres and community pharmacies, which can be booked online at www.nhs.uk/covid vaccine or by calling 119, free of charge.
Some GP vaccination services offering appointments
Some GP vaccination services are also offering appointments for their patients in this age group but please do not contact your practice unless you are invited to make an appointment.
All vaccination centres offering the jab to this age group have gone through additional checks and have staff who are experienced in vaccinating children. They will offer a child-friendly environment for families with young children and longer appointment times to help put children at ease.
Go to Frequently Asked Questions
Dr Bnar Talabani explains why children are being offered the vaccine
COVID-19 vaccination: A guide for parents of children aged 5 to 11
JCVI statement on vaccination of children aged 5 to 11 years old
COVID-19 vaccination consent form for parents
Please be aware this is the information as we have it and as provided by the government and NHS.
If you have any questions about the vaccination for 5-11-year-olds we would recommend you contact Locala https://www.locala.org.uk/contact-us
- COVID-19 vaccination guide for children and young people is available please see the link below:
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1017171/PHE_12073_COVID-19_guide_for_all_CYP.pdf
- COVID-19 vaccination easy-read resources for children and young people are available on the Government website: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-vaccination-easy-read-resources-for-children-and-young-people
- COVID-19 vaccination: resources for schools and parents which includes some FAQs https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-vaccination-resources-for-schools
- National update information – NHS rolls out COVID-19 jab to children aged 12 to 15 – https://www.england.nhs.uk/2021/09/nhs-rolls-out-covid-19-jab-to-children-aged-12-to-15/
Please be aware this is the information as we have it and as provided by the government and NHS.
If you have any questions about the vaccination for 12-15-year-olds we would recommend you contact Locala https://www.locala.org.uk/contact-us
20210106 COVID-19 Vaccinations Common Questions -Issue 2
Download the file above to read a list of common questions and their answers.
There are four sites open in Kirklees alongside the vaccination hub in the Huddersfield Royal Infirmary:
- Batley
- Dewsbury town centre
- Holme Valley
- Huddersfield town centre
- Kirkburton
In addition to this the vaccine is being rolled out to care home residents and staff as well as NHS staff in patient facing roles.
You can find more information on the vaccine plans through the North Kirklees CCG website HERE
We are also posting regular updates on current vaccination centres on our news pages HERE
Recently some residents of Kirklees have received invitations to centres outside of the area for the covid-19 vaccination. The North Kirklees CCG have some good information on why this may be the case:
“”Why have I been invited to attend a vaccination centre outside Kirklees?
The NHS has opened a number of large-scale vaccination centres including one at the Etihad Tennis Club in Manchester. Invitations to book an appointment are being sent to people aged 80 or over who have not yet been vaccinated and live up to 45 minutes drive from a centre. This may include people who live in Kirklees.
If you do not want to/are unable to travel, you will be able to access a vaccination closer to home when they become available.
Four large-scale vaccination centres are planned for West Yorkshire, including one at The John Smith’s Stadium in Huddersfield. Vaccinations are also being delivered by groups of GP practices and will be available at a number of community pharmacies in Kirklees soon.“”
Find the above question HERE alongside many other questions answered by the North Kirklees CCG
What is the current government advice about Covid-19?
We have been asked questions by the public about the type of NHS service they may expect during the Covid-19, also known as coronavirus, pandemic.
For the latest information from the government click here: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
On Monday January 4 the Prime Minister announced a new lockdown for England.
This means that here in Kirklees, we move out of Tier 3 and into the new lockdown rules.
You must not leave, or be outside of your home except where necessary. You may only leave your home to:
- shop for basic necessities, for you or a vulnerable person;
- go to work, or provide voluntary or charitable services, if you cannot reasonably do so from home;
- exercise with your household (or support bubble) or one other person, this should be limited to once per day, and you should not travel outside your local area;
- meet your support bubbleor childcare bubble where necessary, but only if you are legally permitted to form one;
- seek medical assistance or avoid injury, illness or risk of harm (including domestic abuse);
- attend education or childcare – for those eligible.
Colleges, primary and secondary schools will remain open only for vulnerable children and the children of critical workers. All other children will learn remotely until February half term. Early years settings remain open.
If you do leave home for a permitted reason, you should always stay local – unless it is necessary to go further, for example to go to work. Stay local means stay in the village, town, or part of the city where you live.
If you are clinically extremely vulnerable you should only go out for medical appointments, exercise or if it is essential. You should not attend work.
Meeting others
You cannot leave your home to meet socially with anyone you do not live with or are not in a support bubble with (if you are legally permitted to form one).
You may exercise on your own, with one other person, or with your household or support bubble. This should be limited to once per day, and you should not travel outside your local area.
You cannot meet other people you do not live with, or have not formed a support bubble with, unless for a permitted reason.
The advice remains to Stay 2 metres apart from anyone not in your household.
For the latest local guidance visit here: https://www.kirklees.gov.uk/beta/health-and-well-being/coronavirus.aspx
What is coronavirus?
COVID-19 is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It’s caused by a virus called coronavirus.
Visit the NHS website below to find out information on:
- Staying at home to stop the spread of coronavirus
- What to do if you have symptoms (and what those symptoms are
- What to do if you need medical help for another reason
- Advice for people at high risk
And other questions regarding the outbreak.
The vaccination for Covid-19 is now being issued in Kirklees.
This list is changing regularly so please consult this website for up to date information:
The vaccine is to protect people from Covid-19. At first, the vaccine is being given based on the age and profession of people and the following people will be contacted first:
- Residents in a care home for older adults and their carers;
- Older people, typically aged over 80;
- Frontline healthcare workers;
- People with underlying health problems.
The full list can be seen by clicking here.
This is the largest vaccination programme in the history of the NHS and you can really help the NHS to deliver it to those that need it most by doing the following:
- Please don’t contact the NHS to seek a vaccine – they will contact you when it’s the right time.
- When you are contacted, please act immediately and make sure you attend your appointments. You will be told when and where to attend.
- Please continue to follow all the guidelines – hand hygiene and social distancing in particular – to control the virus and save lives.
Please be aware, the vaccinations are free of charge. You do NOT need to give your bank details to anyone to secure a vaccination.
Link to Kirklees vaccination information here: https://www.northkirkleesccg.nhs.uk/category/news/
Some mental health services locally are run by South West Yorkshire Mental Health Trust.
The following has been issued by SWYFT:
All our services will continue to be delivered. To ensure they remain in place:
- We are asking people to stay at home in line with government guidelines
- If you have been asked to attend our service by a health care professional, you must only attend if you or the person you are with does not have the symptoms of coronavirus
- If you are using or waiting to use one of our services we may change how your care is delivered and if we do make a change we will notify you by a text, letter or phone call
- If we do make a change we will offer to deliver the service by telephone or digital technology
- The digital technology we will use for consultations during the Covid-19 pandemic is called AirMid.
- For people who can’t use or access technology there will be a number for you to call to get advice
- Just to let you know we have cancelled any non-essential events, group workshops and meetings for the immediate future
- All our staff are still working, but those who can are now working from home
- Key staff that need to be in services will be observing social distancing rules as set out by the government and Public Health England
Further details on their services can be found here: https://www.southwestyorkshire.nhs.uk/
Anyone who thinks they may have Covid-19 can apply for a test.
Click here to do this: https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test
Guidance says testing is most effective within 3 days of symptoms developing.
There is another test, the antibody test to check if you’ve had coronavirus. This is not widely available yet. NHS staff are being offered an antibody test and this can be requested through your workplace.
What are the symptoms of coronavirus?
The symptoms of coronavirus infection Covid-19 are:
- A cough
- A high temperature
- A shortness of breath
These symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness. These can be similar to other illnesses such as the cold and flu.
What do I do if I think you might have coronavirus?
Stay at home.
If you have symptoms of Covid-19, however mild stay at home for 7 days if you have either:
- a high temperature
- a new continuous cough
This will help to protect others in your community while you are infectious.
Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital even if you suspect you have mild symptoms.
Do I need to tell my GP/call 111 if I have Covid-19 symptoms?
You do not need to contact NHS 111 to tell them you’re staying at home. The NHS will not be testing those self-isolating with mild symptoms.
Stay at home guidance has now been produced and is available by clicking here
How long should I stay at home for if I have symptoms?
If you have symptoms, stay at home for 7 days.
If you live with other people, they should stay at home for 14 days from the day the first person got symptoms.
What should I do if my symptoms worsen?
If your symptoms worsen during home isolation, or are no better after 7 days, contact NHS 111 online. If you have no internet access, you should call NHS 111.
For a medical emergency dial 999.
Is there a specific treatment for coronavirus?
There is currently no specific treatment for coronavirus.
Current treatment options aim to relieve the symptoms while your body fights the illness. You are advised to stay in isolation and away from other people until you’ve recovered.
Do I need antibiotics?
Antibiotics do not help, they do not work against viruses.
South West Yorkshire Partnerships NHS Trust has made changes to its services to ensure it is able to continue to support patients with mental health and learning disabilities and support people to limit their risk of infection.
The trust is also developing services to respond to people whose mental health is affected as a result of social isolation measures. Detailed information is available on their website.
An easy read guide to looking after your feelings and your body is also now available.
All areas have been asked to commission a 24/7 open access mental health crisis line. The line will be open to the public and aims to provide an alternative to A&E, 999 or 111 as the default. In Kirklees we anticipate this new service will be up and running within the next 2 weeks. We are also developing additional mental health support for NHS, community and other staff who are affected by the current situation.
Looking after your wellbeing while staying at home
Mental Health Foundation (links below).
NHS – Every Mind Matters – Coronavirus and mental wellbeing
Expert advice and practical tips to help people look after their mental health and wellbeing
https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters
Samaritans
Samaritans – Call free on 116 123 or visit the Samaritans website
Crisis support for young people – If you are under 35 and feel that life is not worth living any more, call Papyrus’s HopelineUK from 9am to 10pm weekdays and 2pm to 10pm on weekends.
Call HopelineUK on 0800 068 41 41
Text 07786 209697
CALM
CALM is the Campaign Against Living Miserably, for people in the UK who are down or have hit a wall for any reason.
Call 0800 58 58 58 (daily, 5pm to midnight)
Free, anonymous webchat with trained staff
Calderdale and Kirklees Single Point of Access (adults):
What is self-isolation, and how do I do it?
Self-isolation
Self-isolation is about protecting others and slowing down the spread of COVID-19. It is very important that anyone who has the virus, or might have been exposed to it, limits the number of people they come into contact with. This is the most effective way of preventing the coronavirus from spreading.
Social distancing
Social distancing can include things like temporarily reducing socialising in public places such as entertainment or sports events, reducing use of non-essential public transport or recommending more home working.
What is social distancing? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Hi9-5F2zW4
Volunteer with us!
Are you someone who’s friendly and approachable and can work as part of a team?
Is it important to you to give good customer service and support other to people to make positive changes and have their voice heard? Do you enjoy learning new things? Could you support Healthwatch Kirklees by sharing your skills and enthusiasm?
Do you have a few hours or some spare time to share to help to make positive changes in your local area?
Read more about volunteeringLooking for more general information on your health services?
Find links to information about finding a dentist, registering for a GP, Accessing your medical records and much more!
Helpful information and useful linksAll the latest COVID-19 information for Kirklees
We collate as much information and guidance about COVID-19 as we can. National and local government guidance as well as links for health services affected. Contact us if you think there is anything missing or you have any questions regarding the information.
Covid-19 FAQ