It’s exactly a year since the first Covid-19 vaccination was given in Kirklees – and the pressure is on to get jabs into arms as quickly as possible. 

On December 16 2020, 80-year-old John Ellis became the first person in the district to get his vaccine, and now – 12 months on – teams across Kirklees have issued 754,113 jabs. 

A total of 315,986 people have had their first jab with 287,220 having both doses. And 150,622 people have had their booster. 

This week, the Cathedral House vaccination clinic in Huddersfield also hit another major milestone when the team gave their 150,000th jab. 

Dr Sajid Nazir, clinical director at Viaduct Primary Care Network and a local GP, said: “I’m really proud of everyone involved in the vaccination programme.

“It has been a challenging year but the teams have worked tirelessly and have done a fantastic job of helping to protect the people of Kirklees. I want to say a big thank you to everyone who has made it all possible.” 

Dr Burhan Ahmed, clinical director of Greenwood PCN and a local GP, said: “It’s a huge week for the Kirklees vaccination programme. Not only has it been a year since the first vaccinations but this week the team at Cathedral House gave their 150,000th jab. This is an incredible milestone and is testament to the dedication of everyone involved in the programme.”

Steve Brennan, senior responsible officer for the Vaccination Programme in Kirklees, said: “In the last year we’ve seen thousands of people come through the doors of the vaccination clinics in Kirklees to get their jabs. The teams have all worked so hard to help keep our community safe and continue to do so. 

Big milestone for Cathedral House

“If you haven’t had your jab yet or if you’re eligible for your booster, please come forward and get vaccinated. The teams are still here and ready to help. As we move into winter, it’s more important than ever that we all do our bit to protect ourselves and each other.”

Rachel Spencer-Henshall, strategic director for public health at Kirklees Council, urged people not to wait until the New Year to get their booster.

She said: “If you’re over 18 and it’s been two months or more since your second dose, I’m asking you to book your booster today.

“Around 150,000 Kirklees residents have already had their third dose of the vaccine and I want to thank NHS colleagues and all the other staff and volunteers who are delivering this remarkable programme.

“Local people are coming forward for their jab every day and that’s really positive but there is an urgency to our situation as we expect the new variant to spread quickly over the next few days and weeks. That’s why I’m asking everyone in Kirklees to make sure they’ve done everything they can to get protected.”

Local people can visit one of 27 vaccination clinics across Kirklees. People can book a vaccination online at www.nhs.uk/covidvaccination or by calling 119. Alternatively, many of the clinics offer walk-in vaccinations. Visit https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-walk-in-coronavirus-covid-19-vaccination-site to find a convenient clinic.

For more information on the Covid-19 vaccination and eligibility criteria, please visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/who-can-get-the-vaccine/