By KLTV Newsdesk –
Frontline social care workers at Huddersfield’s John Smith’s Stadium are welcoming back some familiar faces as people start to return for their second Covid-19 vaccinations.
Those attending appointments at the Stadium over the past week were the first to receive their initial vaccination at the centre when it opened in February.
To get the maximum amount of protection, people need two doses of the vaccine. Therefore, it is highly recommended that anyone who’s had their first dose, should have their second vaccination 11-12 weeks after.
Everyone who booked through the NHS National Booking Service will have been booked in for both appointments, while people who had their jab at a local GP centre will be contacted by their practice when it’s time for their second dose.
Vaccinators at the stadium have played an important role in the NHS vaccination programme which is running across Kirklees.
At the time of writing, 203, 503 people in Kirklees have been vaccinated – eight times the capacity of the John Smith’s Stadium itself.
Staff from local care service Locala, Local Care Direct and other partner organisations have been delivering vaccinations at the NHS centre that has been set up at the stadium led by Curo Health GP Federation.
In addition to those people attending for their second appointment, people aged 40 and over can now book their first vaccination appointment online at the NHS website.
In addition to the stadium as a national vaccination centre, vaccinations are also being carried out across a range of locations such as GP practices and health care centres.
‘Team Effort’
Steve Nelson, Site Operations Lead for Curo Health, said: “This is a real milestone for us all and it is nice to see so many people returning here for their second vaccine.
“The feedback from people about their experience of attending the centre has been overwhelmingly positive and we would urge everyone to book their appointments as soon as their cohort becomes eligible for a vaccination.
“The John Smith’s Stadium has been a real team effort working with a multitude of partners, both within the health service and beyond. Everyone’s work has been a vital part in making the vaccination programme such a success across Kirklees.”
Gareth Davies, Managing Director of the Stadium’s operators KDSL, described the John Smith’s Stadium as being “at the heart of the local community” and said that the stadium’s board, comprising of Huddersfield Town Football Club, The Giants Rugby League Club and The Council, was keen to be supportive during the vaccine rollout.
He added: “It has been a pleasure and indeed a privilege, working together to convert one of our stands into a vaccination centre. Many hundreds of people are vaccinated there every day and this arrangement is now being extended through the summer.”
Karen Jackson, Chief Executive of Locala added: “We are delighted to be continuing to support the Kirklees vaccination rollout.
“Our nursing colleagues are experienced in delivering immunisation programmes and caring for people in the community, so they are helping make the vaccination process. as comfortable as possible for everyone coming along to the centre.”
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