Dewsbury MP hits out over Covid-19 vaccine delays for elderly and vulnerable in the town

In the week before Christmas many patients were given appointments for Covid-19 jabs only for them to be cancelled.

The North Kirklees Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) had set up drive-through vaccination centres in Dewsbury and Liversedge.

But Government guidance changed and drive-throughs were banned as patients need to wait for 15 minutes after their injection to make sure they suffer no ill effects.

The CCG says alternative centres won’t be in place for Dewsbury and Spen Valley until mid-January, leaving patients worried and confused.

Mr Eastwood said: “I completely understand and share the concerns of those that have had their vaccination appointments cancelled.

“Whilst I appreciate that there were valid circumstances that led to the cancellations, I have made my feelings known that I was disappointed with the lack of clarity and clear communication from the CCG to those that have been affected and the length of time it has taken to reschedule.

“With the new vaccines now being rolled-out and the Government setting an ambitious target of inoculating the top four most vulnerable categories by mid-February, I hope that we can avoid a repeat of this type of situation happening again."

Meanwhile, the Batley vaccination centre was hailed a great success by Batley & Spen MP Tracy Brabin.

On a visit to the Al Hikmah Centre Ms Brabin praised the “amazing” work being done to inspire hope for the future.