First Kirklees patients receive COVID-19 Vaccine
The first patients in Kirklees have received a vaccine which protects against COVID-19 today.
Local people are receiving the vaccination at hubs organised by groups of GP practices working together. The first hubs have opened in Huddersfield and Batley, with further sites planned as the immunisation programme continues across Kirklees.
The vaccine is initially being offered to people aged 80 and over, who are most at risk from coronavirus. It will be offered to more people and at other locations as soon as possible.
The order in which people are offered the vaccine is based on advice from the national Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).
Local GPs are reminding people that the NHS will let you know when it’s your turn, so please don’t get in contact before then.
Dr Steve Ollerton, Chair of NHS Greater Huddersfield CCG said, “This is fantastic news. It’s wonderful to see so many patients receive their vaccine today. ”
Dr Khalid Naeem, Chair of NHS North Kirklees CCG said, “Thank you to the staff at all our local practices who have worked together to get the hubs ready for our patients today and over the coming weeks. It’s been hard work but definitely worth it.”
Cllr Shabir Pandor, Leader of Kirklees Council, said, “This is fantastic news for everyone in Kirklees. The moment we’ve been waiting for. It’s an emotional time. Finally, there’s light at the end of the tunnel after so many dark months. It’s a time for happiness but also a moment for reflection, to think about the people we’ve lost and the sacrifices so many in our community have made.
“The roll out of the vaccine will be an immense challenge for the NHS and the council will support them in every way we can. In the meantime, it’s more important than ever that we all play our part in protecting each other. We need to keep following all the public health advice to protect as many lives as possible. We’ve come so far and an end is in sight. Let’s keep going and keep supporting each other to stay safe.”
The COVID-19 vaccine is given as an injection into the upper arm. It’s given as 2 doses, at least 21 days apart.
The vaccine approved for use in the UK was developed by Pfizer/BioNTech. It has met strict standards of safety, quality and effectiveness set out by the independent Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
More details about the vaccine and how it is being delivered can be found on the nhs.uk website.