Pop-up Calderdale vaccination sessions continue to make a difference in the borough

People over the age of 50, frontline health and social care workers and those particularly at-risk of becoming very ill from the coronavirus due to 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.

The latest pop-up vaccination centre was held at Elland Masjid (mosque),

Fawad Azam, GP and Clinical Director of Calder and Ryburn Primary Care Network (PCN) said: “The mosque and community were very keen for us to return for another pop up, and we timed the session to be before the start of Ramadan as we felt some might be hesitant to be vaccinated whilst fasting, although vaccination during fasting is permissible.

“We were supported by Dr Sana Malik, who is from the Elland Community, and Muzammel Fazlee our PCN Pharmacist who has links with the Mosque.

“The pop-up clinic was well-received by all in the community. We had some people who attended the drop in as they had missed a previous appointment, whilst others found the opportunity to drop in very useful.

“It was nice to see lots of people who hadn’t been to a mosque before either, which is good for the local community. In fact, we’ve also had clinicians from local GP practices who’ve never been to the mosque before ask if they can support our next pop-up clinic here.

“Clinically, this session has been important to capture those most at risk due to health inequalities, working patterns and lifestyle who have been unable to attend the clinics at Bankfield Surgery in Elland, but were able to get their vaccinations today.”

Vaccinations were administered by GPs and NHS staff from GP practices who make up the Calder and Ryburn Primary Care Network, which covers Elland, Greetland and Stainland, Ripponden and Sowerby Bridge.

A spokesperson from the Elland Masjid said: “The Elland Masjid is glad to be hosting vaccination clinics in collaboration with the NHS. Our faith is community driven and therefore it’s rewarding to be able to do something for our local community, especially throughout this pandemic”

A total of 23,155 people have received two doses of a vaccine in the borough.

Debs Harkins, Director of Public Health at Calderdale Council said:“I’m so pleased we’ve been able to continue to bring vaccine clinics to the heart of our communities and that the pop-up session at the Elland Masjid was well attended. These clinics complement our existing vaccine centres and are doing an important job of protecting more people who are most at risk of COVID due to their age, health conditions or job.

“The approved vaccines are safe and effective and don’t contain meat derivatives or porcine products. Muslim scholars and the Muslim Doctors Association have confirmed that taking the vaccine does not nullify the Ramadan fast as it is given into the muscle and does not have any nutritional value, so I urge everyone to take the vaccine when invited

“Although we’ve seen restrictions easing further this week it’s important that 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.”