NHS in Wakefield District delivers its 60,000 COVID-19 jab

Over 60,000 COVID-19 vaccinations have already been delivered as part of the NHS autumn/winter campaign across Wakefield District this year.

Whilst the numbers are promising, just over 45% of those eligible in Wakefield District have had their COVID-19 vaccination this season.

Medical professionals are now encouraging people to book an appointment as soon as possible to protect themselves and their loved ones ahead of the Christmas and New Year festivities.

You can book your COVID-19 jab until 20 December. After that date, if you’re eligible, you will still be able to get your vaccination at some pharmacies.

• Find out how to book your vaccine appointment (up to 20 December) at nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/keep-warm-keep-well
• Search for pharmacies to find out which are providing the COVID-19 vaccination up to 31 January at nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy

Dr Colin Speers, local GP and Medical Director for Integrated Community Services said: “COVID-19 remains a serious illness for many, so taking your vaccination is vital to prevent serious illness, hospitalisation, and even death. A vaccination helps prevent the spread of COVID-19, protecting you and those in your families and communities who are more vulnerable or cannot be vaccinated.

“As we plan group events, such as Christmas celebrations, or just visiting busy shopping centres and transport hubs, a vaccination can help reduce the spread of COVID-19. If you’re eligible, you can book your appointment online or through the NHS app, by visiting a participating pharmacy, or by calling 119 for free.”

People eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination include:

• people aged 6 months to 64 years in a clinical risk group
• adults over 65 years old
• pregnant women at all stages of their pregnancy
• care home residents
• frontline NHS and care workers

Around 50% of those eligible have not yet had their flu vaccination in Wakefield District during the autumn/winter campaign, which can usually be delivered at the same time as the COVID-19 jab.  More information about the flu vaccination can be found on the NHS website www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/keep-warm-keep-well

The COVID-19 vaccination campaign is part of a wider push by the NHS in West Yorkshire to raise awareness and increase the uptake of vaccinations needed at different stages of life, from pregnant women and children to adults and older people.