MORE than 20,000 people across the Bradford district have received their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, it has been confirmed. 

The roll-out began back in December, marking a major step towards beating Covid-19 and returning to a more 'normal' of life. 

Over 80s, extremely vulnerable people and frontline NHS and care workers are currently at the front of the line for vaccines.

A spokesperson for the Bradford District and Craven Clinical Commissioning Group said: "We have now vaccinated over 20,000 vulnerable people across Bradford district and Craven. 

"That includes almost half of our population who are over the age of 80, as well as health and social care staff."

NHS England figures indicate about half of people aged 80 and over in north-east England and Yorkshire have received their first dose.

That puts the area in second place behind the Midlands in terms of doses administered, with 433,045, according to the NHS England figures which run up to January 10.

The data, the first time a regional breakdown has been given, shows 2,371,407 jabs were given between December 8 and January 10, including first and second doses.

A spokesperson for Downing Street said the vaccination programme will "accelerate through this month and throughout February and the PM’s been clear that we will ensure there is a vaccine centre close to everybody by the end of the month".

In the coming weeks, a vaccination centre set up in the Jacob's Well car park in Bradford city centre is due to open, which will add to the GP surgeries and hospitals currently administering the vaccine.

A spokesperson said: "We will be ready to open the Jacob’s Well vaccination centre as soon as supplies of the vaccine are available to us, which we hope will be in the next few weeks.

"People who are at greatest risk from Covid-19 are already being vaccinated across the district through groups of GP practices and hospitals, and the vaccination centre will add to this once supplies become more widely available."

Meanwhile, people in the district are being urged to take up the offer of a vaccination.

Dr Danielle Hann, a GP from Affinity Care working at Shipley Health Centre, said: “The feedback from patients who have come to have their vaccination has been so positive. 

"Patients have been really enthusiastic and willing to come in at short notice, which has helped us make sure that we use every drop of vaccine.The vaccine is safe, effective and the best way of protecting yourself from coronavirus."

People will be contacted by the NHS when it is their turn to have the coronavirus vaccination, they do not need to get in touch with their GP practice.  It is given in two doses and people will be invited back for their second dose around 12 weeks after their first appointment.

Patients are also asked to make sure that their GP practice has their most up to date contact details, such as telephone number and address. 

There is still the chance people might still get or spread coronavirus even if they have had the vaccine so it is important to continue to follow national guidance, socially distance and wear a face covering.