The NHS team behind successful vaccination centres in Honley, Clayton West and Slaithwaite are bringing ‘pop-up’ centres to two of the biggest employers in Kirklees.

As part of a drive to get people in Kirklees vaccinated more quickly pop-up vaccination centres are being held at UK Greetings – previously known as Carlton Cards – in Dewsbury and PPG, formerly Kalon Paints, in Birstall.

The centres are being run by Medicare Chemists which delivered the successful vaccination centres in Honley, Clayton West and Slaithwaite.

Managing director Asghar Khan said the model set up at the three new centres would be brought to Carlton Cards on Saturday June 12 and PPG on Monday June 14.

He said: “With the help of volunteers and clinicians we have delivered a successful vaccination model and this is now being rolled out at each of the new pop-up clinics.

“This wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work and dedication of our team who care passionately about ensuring each and every person has the opportunity of an excellent vaccination experience.

READ MORE: How vaccination centres were launched in Slaithwaite and Clayton West

“Our goal is to offer a professional and personal vaccination service, on site, to each employee, their family, surrounding businesses and the local community. This means fitting in with staff shift patterns, understanding their needs and answering their questions so that we can tailor our approach accordingly.

“We’re delighted to have been selected for this initiative, making vaccination accessible to people in our community who may struggle to make or meet an appointment.”

Vaccinations are available to anyone and can be first or second doses.

Pop-up vaccination centre coming to PPG at Birstall

The vaccine rollout continues to be a big success in Kirklees. So far, more than 250,000 people have had their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine and 176,000 of those have had their second.

The latest figures on infection rates show a 15% reduction in the last seven days. Previously the rate had risen consistently.

Figures showed 102 people per 100,000 in Kirklees tested positive for Covid-19 over the last seven days. Though the number is down it’s still more than double the national average of 50 people per 100,000.

Rachel Spencer-Henshall, strategic director for public health at Kirklees Council, said: “As the vaccination programme continues to roll out, we have to make sure it is not leaving people behind, particularly those most at risk.

“Our infection rate is still high. We need to make sure deaths and hospital admissions don’t rise as more and more restrictions are lifted so our lives can return to normal, and everyone can play their part by taking the vaccine when it’s their turn.

Rachel-Spencer-Henshall. Pic by: Mike Clark, SMALL PHOTOS

“Every vaccination matters. Taking the vaccine when it’s your turn is the best way we can save lives and keep pressure off the NHS. It is safe, quick and significantly protects you from Covid-19. The more people that take it, the safer we all are and the sooner we can get back to normality.”

READ MORE: Four new vaccination centres to open in Kirklees

Steve Brennan, lead for the vaccination programme in Kirklees, said: “We’re making it as easy as possible for people to get their Covid-19 vaccinations.

“Offering first and second vaccinations in the workplace, for staff, their families and the local community, is just one of the innovative ways we are doing this in Kirklees.”

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