By KLTV Newsdesk –
Thousands of people across Kirklees are expected to receive a COVID vaccine this weekend, as Kirklees Council and NHS open drop-in sessions and walk-in appointments across the district as part of the NHS’s Big Vaccination Weekend.
The weekend is part of a national initiative aiming to remove barriers and encourage uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine, and will see drop-in vaccination sessions pop up in towns and villages across the country.
A huge tent is set to be erected in St George’s Square outside Huddersfield’s Railway Station from Saturday 26 June, and many more centres will be offering a vaccination with no prior appointment needed.
Residents are being encouraged to get vaccinated this weekend while they’re out and about in town centres, including attending event’s such as the Woven Festival’s ‘Big Knit’
The tent in St George’s Square will be open from 10 am – 5 pm on Saturday 26 June and 10 am – 4 pm on Sunday 27 June.
Kirklees Council says the aim of the additional pop-up is to make it as easy as possible for people who have yet to be vaccinated.
The council has also announced that there will be free parking available at the following car parks: Springwood, Huddersfield Leisure Centre, Cambridge Road, Bath Street and Huddersfield Bus Station, as well as all council-run on-street parking spaces within the town centre the same weekend.
Huddersfield’s two main vaccination centres will also be open for drop-in appointments.
Anyone over 18 will be able to have their first vaccine without an appointment at John Smiths Stadium (8 am – 7 pm Saturday & Sunday) and Cathedral House (Saturday only; 10 am – 1 pm, and 3 pm – 6 pm).
‘As Simple and Convenient as Possible’
Rachel Spencer-Henshall Director of 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 the 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.”
‘Please Get Your Jab’
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.”
‘Perfect Opportunity’
Mr Asghar Khan, Managing Director at Medicare Chemists who are running the St George’s Square pop up, also commented, saying: “We’re pleased to be working with Kirklees Council as part of their larger vaccination roll-out.
“The Woven festival at St George’s Square provides the perfect opportunity to allow people to access the vaccination service in a central location.
Additional Pop-ups
In addition to the vaccination pop-ups in Huddersfield, there will also be pop-ups in other parts of the borough.
As well as providing first vaccines, 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.
Saturday
- Batley & Spen Vaccination Centre, 1 Talbot St. – Saturday 26 June, 9 am – 6 pm
- Huddersfield – Cathedral House – Saturday 26 June – 10 am – 1 pm, 3 pm – 6 pm
- Huddersfield –St George’s Square – Saturday 26 June, 10 am – 5 pm
- Huddersfield – John Smith Stadium – Saturday 26 June, 8 am – 7 pm
Sunday
- Mount Pleasant, Batley – Madina Masjid Community Centre – Sunday 27 June, 2 pm – 6 pm
- Liversedge – Saint Andrews Methodist Church – Sunday 27 June, 1 pm – 8 pm – Pfizer only, no AZ
- Huddersfield –St George’s Square – Sunday 27 June, 10 am – 4 pm
- Huddersfield – John Smith Stadium – Sunday 27 June, 8 am – 7 pm
Monday
- Cleckheaton – Aakash (Restaurant) – Monday 28th June, 2 pm – 6 pm