NHS in Calderdale invites people aged 44 for life-saving Covid-19 jab

People in Calderdale aged 44 will now be invited to book their Covid-19 jab as the NHS vaccine programme, the biggest and fastest in its history, continues at pace.
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Around half a million 44-year olds will receive a text inviting them to get their jab through the national booking service from today, and local GPs are urging people to come forward for their jab when they are invited do to so.

The move to the next age group comes alongside the latest figures showing that more than 16,000 people in Calderdale aged 45 to 49 have been vaccinated.

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The decision to move to people aged 40-43 will be set out in the coming days with the local NHS vaccinating in line with JCVI advice and as subject to vaccine supply.

Since the vaccination rollout began in December, more than 107,000 people have been vaccinated with a first dose in Calderdale.

Dr Geetha Chandrasekaran, a GP in Halifax and Clinical Director of North Halifax Primary Care Network said: “Every person fully vaccinated gives us hope, so please play your part to protect yourself and others and get the vaccine when you’re invited to do so. You need two doses for maximum protection. If you do not have your second dose appointment by the end of your 11th week after you have had your first dose, please contact your GP.”

NHS staff have also carried out nearly 32,000 second doses and is reminding people to attend their second dose to ensure they receive maximum protection.

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Dr Steven Cleasby, local GP and Chair of NHS Calderdale Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) said: “Whilst the first dose of the vaccine offers a good level of protection against the disease, evidence from the clinical trials clearly showed that people build up better protection against COVID-19 symptoms when the vaccine is given in two, smaller doses, with an interval between them.

“Having your second dose will ensure you get the maximum level of protection against this awful disease, which has had such severe consequences for people in our local communities. Please accept your offer when your practice contacts you or keep your appointment if you already have one. If you have booked your appointment through the National Booking Service but need to change it, you can easily do this online or by calling 119.

“When the time comes, and you get that text, book an appointment to get your vaccine – it is the best protection you and your loved ones will receive from this deadly virus.”

The NHS currently vaccinates using three vaccines, Pfizer, Moderna, and AstraZeneca, all of which have been approved as safe and effective by the world leading medical regulator the MHRA.

People who cannot go online to book, can call the service on 119 instead. Text invitations appear as an alert from ‘NHSvaccine’, including a web link to the NHS website to reserve an appointment.

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