By KLTV Newsdesk –
New ‘pop-up’ COVID-19 vaccination centres will be opening up in Dewsbury and Birstall over the next few days.
The centres aim to give those who are otherwise unable to book a vaccine appointment a chance to get vaccinated.
As part of the continued vaccination roll-out, Kirklees Council and NHS Kirklees are setting up the free pop-up centres on-site at UK Greetings in Dewsbury and PPG in Birstall to give members of staff, their families, surrounding businesses and the local community the opportunity to receive their first or second dose of the vaccine.
The centre at UK Greetings in Dewsbury will be open on Saturday 12 June, and the centre at PPG in Birstall will be open on Monday 14 June.
The Council says that the centres are the start of them and NHS Kirklees working with local businesses to help make the vaccination roll-out as accessible as possible.
For many people, their working patterns mean it’s more difficult for them to get a convenient vaccine appointment, and it is known that in some industries catching COVID is more likely.
So far, more than 250,000 people have had their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine and 176,000 of those have had their second.
Since the vaccine programme began its rollout 6 months ago, in Kirklees, deaths and hospitalisations have steadily fallen and remain at a much lower level, while the overall infection rate has remained above average for the country.
No one left behind
Speaking on the pop-up centres, Rachel Spencer-Henshall, Strategic Director for Public Health at Kirklees Council, said: “As the vaccination programme continues to roll out, we have to make sure it is not leaving people behind, particularly those most at risk.
“This is one of a number of temporary pop-up vaccination clinics we have opened in areas that have lowest take up of the vaccine, higher rates of infection and a population at greater risk of serious illness.
“We cannot ignore this and that’s why we’re beginning this targeted approach to take the vaccine closer to those most at risk and are looking to do this with other businesses, communities and organisations in the area.
‘Hard Work and Dedication’
Asghar Khan, Managing Director of Medicare Chemists said: “Medicare with the help of volunteers and clinicians, have delivered a successful vaccination model from the opening of the Honley, Clayton West and Slaithwaite Vaccination Centres.
“This is now being rolled out at each of the new pop up clinics, including, on-site at Uk Greetings and PPG.
“This wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work and dedication of our team, who care passionately about ensuring each and every person has the opportunity of an excellent vaccination experience.
“Our goal is to offer a professional and personal vaccination service, on-site, to each employee at UK Greetings and PPG, their families, surrounding businesses and the local community.
“This means fitting in with staff shift patterns, understanding their needs and answering their questions so that we can tailor our approach accordingly.
“We’re delighted to have been selected for this initiative, making vaccination accessible to people in our community who may struggle to make or meet an appointment.”
‘Playing our Part’
Chris Shaw, Head of Safety & Sustainability at UK Greetings, said: “UK Greetings, previously known as Carlton Cards and Rust Craft Greetings, has been part of the Dewsbury community for over 50 years.
“We are so proud to be playing our part and supporting Kirklees Council and NHS Kirklees by having the ‘pop-up’ vaccination centre on-site at our factory in Dewsbury.”
Richard Armour, PPG’s Manufacturing Director, Architectural Coatings UK and Ireland said: “We are so pleased to continue to support our community by offering the vaccine to all our colleagues and people in the local community through our PPG Birstall pop-up vaccination centre.”