180 people received their first COVID-19 vaccination at Hopwood Lane Mosque in Halifax on Sunday 4 April.
People aged 50 and over, health and social care workers, and people in ‘at risk’ groups could drop-in to get their first vaccination without the need to book an appointment at the latest vaccination clinic to be held in a Calderdale mosque.
Dr Nadeem Akhtar, Clinical Director of Halifax Central Primary Care Network, which organised and ran the session, said:
“This has been our most successful pop-up vaccination session so far and has really highlighted the benefit of using religious and community buildings to deliver the COVID-19 vaccination. I’d like to congratulate everyone involved, and I’d like to thank the committee at the Jamia Masjid Ahl-e-Hadith for allowing us this opportunity to host this clinic.
“Today we’ve been able to vaccinate people who are aged 50 and over and a number of individuals working in high-risk professions who come into contact with members of the public on a daily basis. The more we vaccinate those who are out in our communities working with vulnerable people, the safer we make things for everyone.”
Debs Harkins, Director of Public Health at Calderdale Council said:
“It’s fantastic that so many people in the vaccine priority groups took up the opportunity to have their first jab at Hopwood Lane Mosque, including those most at risk due to their age, health conditions or job. Bringing vaccine clinics to the heart of our communities is a great step forward and testament to Calderdale’s partnership approach to tackling COVID-19.
“The more people who get vaccinated, the more chance we have of beating the virus and getting more of our freedoms back. We know that living and working conditions locally mean that Calderdale often has higher COVID-19 rates than most other parts of the country, so it’s all the more important to take up the offer of the vaccine when invited. The approved vaccines are safe, effective and don’t contain meat derivatives or porcine products.
“The full rollout is going to take time. You will be contacted when it’s your turn, so please be patient. In the meantime, and even if you’ve already had the vaccine, we all need to keep doing the three big things to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and protect ourselves and our loved ones – limit mixing with others, wear a face covering and self-isolate when necessary.”
A further pop-up session will be held at Elland Masjid (mosque) on Saturday 10 April between 10:00am-1:00pm, where people over the age of 50, front line health and social care workers and those 18 and over who may be at higher risk due to an existing health condition can receive their first vaccination.
Appointments are not required, but health and social care workers should bring professional identification to prove their eligibility.