With just weeks left until the end of the winter COVID-19 vaccination campaign on 31 January 2024, the NHS in West Yorkshire is encouraging everyone who is eligible to come forward to get their COVID-19 jab.
You can do this at a local NHS walk-in centre or participating pharmacy. In many cases, they will also be able to get a flu vaccination at the same time.
You can find out more about how to get a vaccination in Kirklees on our vaccination webpage.
Over 6.3 million COVID-19 vaccinations or boosters have been given in West Yorkshire. Although the National Booking Service (NBS) and 119 telephone line both closed on 14 December.
The number of people having their first COVID-19 vaccination increased to 1 in 36 of those being vaccinated. This is up from 1 in 1000 since the campaign started in September 2023.
This reflects increased awareness of the campaign and availability of walk-in appointments and pop-up sites in community venues
Dr James Thomas, Medical Director at NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board:
“We are seeing cases of COVID-19 and flu increasing, as well as the numbers of people being admitted to hospital. Getting vaccinated against flu and COVID-19 will help protect you and your loved ones ahead of the peaks, as it can take up to two weeks for your body to build up maximum defences.
“It’s particularly important that those most at risk are protected – especially older people and those with underlying health conditions – both to reduce the chances of becoming seriously ill as well as reduce pressures on local NHS hospitals and staff.
That’s why we’re urging everyone eligible who hasn’t yet had their vaccine to come forward before the COVID-19 programme ends at the end of January.”
Those people eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination now include:
- all adults aged 65 years and over
- people aged 6 months to 64 years in a clinical risk group
- frontline health and social care workers
- people aged 12 to 64 years who are household contacts of people with immunosuppression
- people aged 16 to 64 years who are carers and staff working in care homes for older adults
After 31 January 2024, the COVID-19 offer will close until the next seasonal campaign, likely to be April 2024. You may be able to get a vaccine sooner, if you develop a new health condition or start treatment that severely weakens your immune system, if advised by a clinician.
The flu programme will continue until 31 March. If you are eligible, we encourage you to be vaccinated as soon as possible so you’re protected during the peak flu season.
Further information on COVID-19 vaccination
You can find out more about how to get one in Kirklees on our vaccination webpage.
Find a walk-in COVID-19 vaccination site on the NHS website.
Find pharmacies offering flu vaccines: Find a flu vaccination pharmacy (for 18 years+) or contact your GP surgery.