GPs, nurses and pharmacists are going into the heart of communities to make sure eligible people are able to easily get their COVID-19 vaccines.
Over 70,000 people in Bradford District and Craven have had their COVID-19 vaccine since the NHS stepped up its vaccination programme in response to the risk of the new COVID-19 variant.
Working with the NHS, Race Equality Network and Bradford Council over the last two month’s local people have made it clear they prefer to have their vaccinations closer to home.
In response, NHS GP practices and pharmacy teams in Bradford District and Craven have worked hard to roll out a number of vaccination opportunities in the heart of local communities, with more locations and dates to come.
Karen Dawber, chief nursing officer at Bradford Teaching Hospitals Trust and senior responsible officer for Bradford District and Craven’s vaccination programme, said: “Our Bradford District and Craven Health and Care Partnership is making it as easy as possible for people to get their COVID-19 vaccine. One of the ways we’re doing is through a vaccination bus that’s travelling around Bradford District offering eligible people the vaccine – with no appointment needed.
“Over the coming weeks the vaccination bus or pop up vaccine clinics will be outside mosques, supermarkets, community centres and shopping centres. With walk-in opportunities and online bookings available on the NHS website or by calling 119, we are hoping more people than ever will come forward and get protected over winter.”
The NHS COVID-19 vaccination programme provides vital protection to those eligible and their families over winter, keeping people from developing serious illnesses, and helping to minimise hospitalisations during busy winter months.
People eligible during this year’s vaccination programme include all aged 65 and over, care home residents, frontline health and social care staff, those at increased risk because they are pregnant or have a certain underlying health condition, carers and household contacts of those at risk.
It is important for those who are eligible to top up their protection, even if they have had a vaccine or been ill with COVID-19 before, as immunity fades over time.