Covid-19 vaccine rollout plans being developed by Calderdale health leaders

The rollout in Calderdale, part of the biggest vaccination programme in NHS history, began with around 300 people immunised through a ten hour session, beginning with 83-year-old

Halifax resident Resham Bi, who became the first person in Calderdale to receive the PfizerBioNTech vaccine at a GP practice, with further residents booked in throughout the rest of the week.

Resham described the process as painless and urged anyone who was offered the vaccine to have the jab.

Chair of NHS Calderdale CCG, Dr Steven Cleasby, explained how the rollout will work – the NHS will contact people in the priority groups when it is their turn to receive the vaccine.

“I’d like to thank all of the clinical and support staff working across Calderdale who are working so hard, at such a busy time of year for the NHS, to get this vaccine to those who are most at risk from this virus.

“We are working hard to keep people safe, and the NHS is very busy at the moment.

“So, we are asking people to help us by not contacting their GP practice for information on the vaccine. We will let you know when it’s your turn.

“When we do contact you, please make sure you attend your appointments – and most importantly, please keep following government advice to wash your hands regularly, wear a face covering in enclosed spaces and maintain social distancing wherever possible to protect yourself and your family from the coronavirus.

“Last, but not least, I’d like to thank you for the support you’ve shown, and continue to show the NHS.

“Coronavirus may have changed a lot of things, but the NHS is still here for you, your family and your community.

“If you need help contact your surgery or NHS 111 online or via telephone,  and if you’re advised to go to hospital, please do so,” he said.

The Leader of Calderdale Council, Coun Tim Swift (Lab, Town) welcomed the “fantastic” news.

“The year 2020 has been one of the most challenging years in living memory, but the rollout of the vaccine is a light at the end of what has been a very dark period in our history.

“Although this is an incredibly important first step, it will be a very long journey as the task to vaccinate an entire population is a mammoth one.

“It’s vital that everyone remains patient whilst waiting to be contacted for their vaccine and continues to follow the health guidelines that are in place,” he said.

Nurses, paramedics, pharmacists and other NHS staff will work alongside GPs to vaccinate those aged 80 and over, as well as care home workers and residents, identified as priority groups for the life-saving vaccine.