'Grab a jab' this weekend at pop-up vaccination clinics

Dubbed "Grab a Jab", the country-wide vaccination push aims to make it as easy as possible for anyone to receive either their first or second dose without having to wait for a pre-booked appointment.

Walk-in clinics are taking place throughout the weekend from Friday, June 25 and will stretch into Monday, June 28. Details of all the clinics will be available on the NHS.uk website where you will be able to search for your nearest centre, as well as local NHS clinical commissioning group websites.

Text messages are also being sent to people living in areas where there has been a lower uptake of vaccinations with a link to information on local walk-in services.

Dr Phil Wood senior responsible officer for the West Yorkshire Vaccination Programme, said: “Over recent weeks it’s been great to see glimpses of what we once called normal life return and I know we all want restrictions to be lifted.

“The reality of the situation is that getting the vaccine is the best way we can all help to see those restrictions lifted. The more people are fully vaccinated, the more the spread of the virus will be limited and fewer people will end up in hospital.

“That is the aim of ‘Grab a Jab weekend’. It’s about putting needles in as many arms as possible and making the process easy for everyone to get their jabs - whether that is a first or second dose.

“If you are 18 or over, please go and grab your jab.”

Second doses have been brought forward to eight weeks following evidence showing how important the second jab is in protecting people against the Delta variant that is now spreading across the country. Giving these at eight weeks will still ensure the vaccines provide people with the maximum protection against Covid-19.

“This virus has devastating consequence for people of all ages and backgrounds. Getting everyone vaccinated remains the most important way of getting back to normality – it’s that simple,” added Dr Wood.

In North Kirklees, pop-up vaccination clinics will be held at the following locations:

Thursday, June 24 - Heckmondwike Sports Club (Table Tennis Hall), 2-6pm.

Friday, June 25 - St Andrew’s Methodist Church, Bradford Road, Liversedge, WF15 6EF, 9am-6.30pm (Pfizer only).

Saturday, June 26 - Whitaker Street (1 Talbot Street), Batley, WF17 5AW, 9am-6pm.

Sunday, June 27 - St Andrew’s Methodist Church, Bradford Road, Liversedge, WF15 6EF, 1-8pm (Pfizer only).

Sunday, June 27 - Madina Masjid Community Centre, Mount Pleasant, Batley, 2-6pm.

Monday, June 28 - Aakash restaurant, Cleckheaton, 2-6pm.

You do not need to book and you can get your first or second dose vaccination at these sites. If it has been less than eight weeks since your first jab, please speak to staff on arrival.

All clinics will have the Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines available (except where stated).

If you live elsewhere but work in Kirklees, you can also attend these clinics to get your vaccination.

Rachel Spencer-Henshall, director of public health at Kirklees Council, said: “We’ve seen already how pop-up vaccination clinics are helping make sure that the vaccination programme leaves no-one behind.

"The additional push this weekend means that even if you haven’t had chance to book an appointment, you can get a vaccine."

"We want to make it as simple and convenient as possible for everyone to get vaccinated. Our infection rate is still high, and we need to make sure deaths and hospital admissions don’t rise as we enjoy being able to do more things with our friends and loved ones.

"Every vaccination matters. Taking the vaccine when it’s your turn is the best way to save lives and keep pressure off the NHS. It is safe, quick and significantly protects you from Covid-19.

"The more people that take it, the safer we all are and the sooner we can get back to normality.”

Steve Brennan, senior responsible officer for the vaccination rollout in Kirklees, said: “Over recent weeks it’s been great to see glimpses of what we once called normal life return and I know we all want restrictions to be lifted.

“The reality of the situation is that getting the vaccine is the best way we can all help to see those restrictions lifted.

"The more people are fully vaccinated, the more the spread of the virus will be limited, and fewer people will end up in hospital.

“That is the aim of this weekend. It’s about vaccinating as many people as possible and making the process easy for everyone to get their jabs - whether that is a first or second dose.

“If you are 18 or over please go and get your jab.”

If you are unable to travel to a vaccination centre due to mobility issues or struggle to meet the cost of travel, you can get support by visiting the council website - www.kirklees.gov.uk