“It’s really important that people from the BAME community get vaccinated” - pop-up clinic at Elland mosque helps more people get Covid-19 jab

People over the age of 60, frontline health and social care workers and those with a pre-existing medical condition were able to be vaccinated at the pop-up clinic without the need for an appointment, regardless of faith or where they worship.

Fawad Azam, GP and Clinical Director of Calder and Ryburn Primary Care Network said: “It’s really important that people from the BAME community get vaccinated, and there’s lots of misinformation spread on WhatsApp groups and social media, so we’re here as medical professionals to reassure people that the vaccination is safe. I urge everyone to get vaccinated and to urge their friends and family to get vaccinated as well.”

A spokesperson from the Elland Masjid said: “Our faith is community driven and therefore it’s rewarding to be able to do something for our local community, especially throughout this pandemic.”

The session is the second to have taken place in a local mosque, following the session at the Madni Mosque on Gibbet Street in Halifax in February where over 100 local people received their first Coronavirus vaccination.

Neil Smurthwaite, Chief Operating Officer of NHS Calderdale CCG, said: “I know some people have concerns about the vaccinations and these community vaccination sessions have given people the chance to chat about their concerns with a GP, nurse or a pharmacist in a familiar setting. Our local NHS has done really well in getting local GP services in a position to receive and vaccinate people, but the ongoing GP clinics and pop-up community vaccination clinics offer people alternative locations to meet the needs of our diverse population.

“Wherever you can get vaccinated, just get it as soon as you are eligible to help protect yourself, your families and your communities.”