ANOTHER Bradford centre for people to have their Covid-19 jab is to open its doors today as the ongoing vaccination drive continues.

From today, people will be able have their vaccination at Bradford College Old Building. 

Phil Hubbard, director of nursing, professions and care standards for Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust, which is leading the centre, said: “The new site means that we can further increase capacity as needed, to vaccinate more people over the coming weeks. 

"I’d like to thank Bradford College for all their commitment and support in getting the vaccination centre up and running as part of the district-wide efforts, and all those who are working on-site.

"It’s been a tremendous team effort across a number of organisations including the college, volunteers, the fire service and the army, working alongside the NHS.”

Ingleton Pharmacy, Settle, will join the programme later this week and plans are now underway to add more community pharmacies to reach more areas and move quickly through the remaining eligible groups. 

The NHS will advise people when it is their turn to have the jab and how to book, either through the national booking service or GP-led clinics.  Vaccinations are by appointment only so are not available to those who just turn up.

Even when they have had their vaccine people should continue to follow the current ‘hands, face, space’ guidance and social distancing when they are out and about.

Nancy O’Neill, deputy accountable officer and strategic director of transformation and change, NHS Bradford District and Craven Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “We are really proud of the efforts of everyone involved in the vaccination programme in Bradford District and Craven; we’ve vaccinated over 190,000 people including 89 per cent of people aged over 60. 

"That’s down to the hard work of staff and volunteers in our primary care networks and vaccination centres, as well as a huge effort behind the scenes with support from council colleagues, voluntary sector and faith leaders.  

“Opening up the new sites at Bradford College Old Building and in Settle provides more flexibility for our programme.  We are making plans for increasing access to vaccinations through the use of more pop-up clinics like those recently held in local mosques, to make it as easy as possible for all our communities to take up the vaccine. 

"It’s so important that as many people as possible take up the COVID-19 vaccine and we know lots of people will be eager to get protected – please come forward when you’re invited.”