Covid-19 Update: Booking your vaccine and regular testing.
Covid-19 Update
Information and guidance on booking your vaccine and regular lateral flow testing.
It’s exciting to be planning and looking forward to more time with our families, trips to the cinema, pub and all the things we’ve missed dearly. None of us want another lockdown, although the increased traffic to work is perhaps the one thing we haven’t missed.
Booking your vaccine and regular testing will lead us out of the pandemic and whilst it’s great news that Kirklees is getting specialist support with the recent announcements for surge testing and increased vaccinations, we also understand that news of an isolated case, in one household of the Indian variant raises feelings of concern and that you may still have a lot of questions and concerns about how testing and vaccination works. In this Covid-19 update, we’re here to help you navigate what we all need to do next to move forward safely.
1. Regular home testing + financial support if you have to isolate:
- FREE lateral flow tests are available for everyone in the country. It’s quick and easy to order online here and your kit of 7 tests is usually delivered the next day.
- Would you prefer to pick up your lateral flow test in person? Simply put your postcode in here and find locations near you that are distributing tests.
What is a lateral flow test?
A lateral flow test is for people who are displaying no symptoms and it’s advised we all do them twice a week to help stop the spread of the virus. You’ll receive a swab and testing kit with simple instructions to do the test at home and see the results in under 30-minutes. For more information on lateral flow tests visit the NHS guidance here.
What if I have to take time off work?
We get it, staying at home with the kids, not being able to work has a huge impact on our lives. Both Kirklees and Calderdale councils are offering financial support if you have to self-isolate.
In Kirklees up to date information on financial support available at the time of writing this article can be found here.
In Calderdale up to date information on financial support available at the time of writing this article can be found here.
Do not hesitate to contact your local citizen’s advice if you’re concerned about how needing to self-isolate will affect your job. Everyone wants this pandemic over and there is support to help you play your part.
2. Get vaccinated
Did you know people over 34 are now eligible for the vaccination?
“The vaccination programme benefits all age groups. It doesn’t matter how young or healthy you are, Covid-19 still presents a risk and the vaccine protects us all. This is our main route back to normality.” Rachel Spencer-Henshall, Strategic Director for Public Health at Kirklees Council.
We all have questions about the vaccine. Are they safe? Do they work? This video from Chris Van Tulken a senior infection doctor with no affiliation to anyone making the vaccines summarises answers to those concerns and we’ve collated responses to the most common questions you might have on our website here.
3. Protect yourself and protect your loved ones
- Wash your hands and use antibacterial gel regularly. Especially when you come home from work/school, before eating, etc.
- Wear a mask
- Ventilate indoor spaces
Research shows that being in a room with fresh air can reduce the risk of infection from particles by over 70%. Find out more about how simply opening a window can protect the people you love most.
- Socially distance
- Clean and disinfect surfaces. Especially if you’ve had relatives and loved ones in your home.
Awareness of the little things like this that you can on a daily basis to help stop the spread of Covid-19 germs makes a huge difference. Thank you!
If you have information or feedback you’d like to share with us about your experiences during Covid-19 please take 5 to 10 minutes to complete our NEW care survey at http://bit.ly/Care-Survey