RESIDENTS across Kirklees can get their COVID-19 vaccinations whilst shopping this weekend.

Kirklees Council and NHS Kirklees are holding a drop-in session as part of the NHS’s latest National Vaccination Weekend.

The national initiative to remove barriers and encourage uptake of the life-saving vaccine will see drop-in vaccination sessions pop-up across the country, and Kirklees is no exception.

The Kingsgate Shopping Centre in Huddersfield will play host to a drop-in clinic 10am-4pm on Saturday 27 and 11am-2pm on Sunday November 28 where shoppers can get the COVID-19 protection they need to Enjoy Winter Safely.

Rachel Spencer-Henshall Strategic Director of Public Health said:“Pop-up vaccination clinics have been a huge success in Kirklees making sure that the vaccination programme leaves no-one behind. 

"The additional push this weekend means that if you haven’t had chance to get your jab yet, you can do so whilst doing your shopping.

“We want to make it as simple and convenient as possible for everyone to get vaccinated so everyone can Enjoy Winter Safely.

"Taking the vaccine when it’s your turn is the best way to save lives and keep pressure off the NHS. It is safe, quick and significantly protects you from getting seriously ill with COVID-19.

"The more people that take it, the safer we all are and the sooner we can get back to normality.”

First and second dose COVID-19 vaccinations will be available to anyone 16 years plus. There should be an 8-week gap between doses for people aged 18 and over, and a 12-week gap between doses for 16- and 17-year-olds.  Booster jabs will be available to anyone over 40 years old if it’s been six months since their second dose. 

Pregnant women are also encouraged to get their jab in order to protect themselves and their unborn child from serious illness. Staff will be available to answer any questions people may have about the COVID vaccine.

The flu jab is also being offered this weekend to anyone who wants it and will be free for people eligible under the NHS scheme.  Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 and flu will provide additional protection and help to prevent serious illness.

Free parking will be available all day in Huddersfield town centre on both days, and the maximum stay will still apply.

Steve Brennan, Senior Responsible Officer for the Vaccination Rollout in Kirklees said:“Over recent weeks and months 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.”

Mr Asghar Khan, Managing Director at Medicare Chemists who are running the Kingsgate Shopping Centre clinic said:

“We’re pleased to be working with Kirklees Council as part of their larger vaccination roll-out. Kingsgate Shopping Centre provides a great opportunity to allow people to access the vaccination service in a central location whilst enjoying some family time and shopping. I would encourage anyone eligible, to make the choice to protect their families and themselves and get their jab this weekend.”