By KLTV Newsdesk –
It is hoped that hundreds of people across Kirklees will get a COVID vaccine this weekend, as Kirklees Council and the NHS open drop-in sessions and walk-in appointments across the district as part of the NHS’s latest Big Vaccination Weekend.
The national initiative to remove barriers and encourage uptake of the life-saving vaccine will see drop-in vaccination sessions pop up in towns and villages across the country.
This time around it may be advisable to pack a picnic as the tents are set to go up at Greenhead Park from 12 pm – 7 pm on Saturday 16 and Sunday 18 July.
The walk-ins are designed for anyone who has anyone who hasn’t had a vaccine or has had their first dose over 8 weeks ago.
An additional pop up in a place such as Greenhead Park makes it as easy as possible for people who have yet to be vaccinated.
There will also be Community Champions available to answer any questions people may have about the COVID vaccine, and people can pick up lateral flow tests at the park between 11 am and 5:30 pm on both days.
‘Simple and Convenient’
Rachel Spencer-Henshall Strategic Director for Public Health 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 a 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.
‘Making the Process Easy’
News of the vaccination weekend comes as rates of infection in Kirklees and across the country continues to rise, and the easing of restrictions are set to go ahead on Monday 19 July.
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.”
‘Great Opportunity’
Mr Asghar Khan, Managing Director at Medicare Chemists who are running the Greenhead Park pop up, commented: “We’re pleased to be working with Kirklees Council as part of their larger vaccination roll-out.
Greenhead Park provides a great opportunity to allow people to access the vaccination service in a central location whilst enjoying some family time. I would encourage anyone over 18, to make the choice to protect their families and themselves by stepping inside one of Kirklees many vaccination clinics.”
Other Pop-up Clinics
In addition to the main walk-in centre in the park, there will also be pop-ups in other parts of the borough.
All the vaccination pop-ups mentioned below will be offering opportunities for anyone who had their first vaccine at least 8 weeks ago to attend for their second.
Friday
- Honley – Friday 16 July 9 am-12 pm – Honley Village Hall
- Batley – Friday 16 July – 9 am-6 pm – Batley & Spen Vaccination Centre, Whitaker St
- Huddersfield – Friday 16 July – 3 pm-6 pm – Umar Mosque, Birkby
- Huddersfield – Friday 16 July 3-6.30pm – Meltham Sports and Community Centre
- Liversedge – Friday 16 July 9.30 am-1.30 pm – St Andrew’s Methodist Church (Pfizer only)
Saturday
- Batley & Spen Vaccination Centre, 1 Talbot St. – Saturday 17 July, 9 am-6 pm
- Huddersfield – Cathedral House – Saturday 17 July – 10 am-1 pm, 3 pm-6 pm
- Huddersfield –Greenhead Park – Saturday 17 July, 12 pm-7 pm
- Slaithwaite – Slaithwaite Civic Hall – Saturday 17 July, 9 am-1 pm
- Huddersfield – John Smith’s Stadium – Saturday 17 July, 8 am-7 pm
Sunday
- Huddersfield – John Smith’s Stadium – Sunday 18 July, 8 am-7 pm
- Batley & Spen Vaccination Centre, 1 Talbot St. – Sunday 18 July, 9 am-6 pm
- Huddersfield –Greenhead Park – Sunday 18 July, 12 pm-7 pm
- Huddersfield – John Smith Stadium – Sunday 18 July, 8 am-7 pm
- Liversedge – St Andrew’s Methodist Church – Sunday 18 July, 1 pm-6 pm
- Huddersfield – Boots, Kings St – Sunday 18 July, 10:45 – 4 pm (AstraZenica for over 40s only)
More drop-in sessions are planned over the coming weeks.
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 additional support.