People in Wakefield District urged to get their COVID-19 vaccination by 31 January

With four weeks left until the end of the winter COVID-19 vaccination campaign on 31 January 2024, the NHS in Wakefield District is encouraging everyone who is eligible to come forward to get their COVID-19 jab at a local NHS walk-in centre or participating pharmacy. In many cases, they will also be able to get a flu vaccination at the same time.

Over 6.3 million COVID-19 vaccinations or boosters have been given in West Yorkshire. Although the National Booking Service (NBS) and 119 telephone line both closed on 14 December, the number of people having their first COVID-19 vaccination increased to 1 in 36 of those being vaccinated, up from 1 in 1000 since the campaign started in September 2023. This reflects increased awareness of the campaign and availability of walk-in appointments and pop-up sites in community venues

Dr James Thomas, Medical Director at NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board said

“We are seeing cases of COVID-19 and flu increasing, as well as the numbers of people being admitted to hospital.  Getting vaccinated against flu and COVID-19 will help protect you and your loved ones ahead of the peaks, as it can take up to two weeks for your body to build up maximum defences.

It’s particularly important that those most at risk are protected – especially older people and those with underlying health conditions – both to reduce the chances of becoming seriously ill as well as reduce pressures on local NHS hospitals and staff.

That’s why we’re urging everyone eligible who hasn’t yet had their vaccine to come forward before the COVID-19 programme ends at the end of January.”

Those people eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination now include:

• all adults aged 65 years and over
• people aged 6 months to 64 years in a clinical risk group
• frontline health and social care workers
• people aged 12 to 64 years who are household contacts of people with immunosuppression
• people aged 16 to 64 years who are carers and staff working in care homes for older adults

After 31 January 2024, the COVID-19 offer will close until the next seasonal campaign, likely to be April 2024. People may be able to get vaccinated sooner, if they develop a new health condition or start treatment that severely weakens their immune system, if advised by a clinician.

The flu programme will continue until 31 March. However, those eligible are encouraged to be vaccinated as soon as possible so they’re protected during the peak flu season.

You can get the COVID-19 vaccination at these locations in Wakefield District – no need to book:

Pop-up clinics:

• Balne Lane Community Centre, Balne Lane, Wakefield, WF2 0DP on Wednesday 10 January – 10am to 2.30pm

The following clinics are taking place at Sandal Rugby Club, Standbridge Lane, Sandal Magna, Wakefield, WF2 7DY:

• Tuesday 16 January, 2pm to 4.30pm
• Wednesday 17 January, 2pm to 5pm
• Tuesday 23 January, 2pm to 5pm
• Wednesday 24 January, 2pm to 5pm
• Tuesday 30 January, 2pm to 5pm
• Wednesday 31 January, 2pm to 5pm

Here in Wakefield, the following pharmacies also continue to offer COVID-19 vaccinations through their walk-in service until 31 January 2024:

• Exel Chemist, Normanton, WF6 2AQ
• Giles & Ward, Ossett, WF5 9DG
• Medichem, Stuart Road Surgery, Pontefract, WF8 4PQ
• Middlestown Pharmacy, Horbury, WF4 4BS
• Pharmacy Plus Health, Kings Medical Centre, Normanton, WF6 2AZ
• Tieve Tara Pharmacy, Castleford, WF10 2PQ
• Trinity Medical Centre Pharmacy, Wakefield, WF1 1PG

Please visit Pharmacy Finder www.nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy for details of opening times and full address information.