Posted on: 30 October 2023
More than 6 million lifesaving vaccinations have been given across West Yorkshire, marking another significant milestone in the region’s Covid-19 vaccination programme.
The autumn 2023 Covid-19 vaccination campaign is being joined up with the flu vaccination programme and is part of a package of health and care measures being rolled out to prepare West Yorkshire residents for winter.
With the health service already facing immense pressure from industrial action, demand on emergency services, alongside the risk of a new Covid-19 variant (BA.2.86), and other winter viruses, including the flu, it’s vital that those most at risk of serious illness are protected.
More than a third of people eligible for winter vaccines in West Yorkshire have been invited to have their vaccinations this autumn, including those with an underlying health condition that puts them at greater risk of serious illness and people aged 65 and over.
Pharmacies and GP practices are delivering vaccinations at clinics across Bradford District and Craven, Leeds, Kirklees, Calderdale and Wakefield. For those unable to get to clinics, vaccination teams have also been out to care homes across the region as well as visiting people who are housebound.
Nationally, since the autumn vaccination started in September, over a million Covid-19 vaccination appointments have already been booked via the NHS website, www.
The NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) is encouraging people to book an appointment for their Covid-19 and flu vaccines as soon as possible, to protect those most at risk this winter, and the people with whom their live and work with.
ICB Medical Director, Dr James Thomas, said: “In West Yorkshire we have made great progress with our Covid-19 vaccination programme since it began in 2020, with our 6 millionth vaccination being delivered.
“Although we’re not in the same situation as we were, we still need to take Covid-19, as well as flu, very seriously. Across the region, vaccination teams made up of GPs, nurses, pharmacists and trained healthcare workers, are doing everything they can to ensure that those most at risk are protected from serious illness.
“Even if people have previously had a vaccination or been ill with flu or COVID-19, immunity fades over time and these viruses change each year, so it is important people who are eligible for the vaccines top up their protection.
“The vaccinations will not only protect you and your loved ones from getting sick this winter, but they will also help to protect the NHS, so I encourage everyone to come forward to book their vaccine today.”
Lynda Sheard, from Bramley in Leeds, said: “Getting your Covid-19 vaccination is quick and easy, it doesn’t hurt, and you are protecting yourself and those around you. I would encourage everyone who is eligible to have their Covid-19 jab as by getting this we are all helping each other.”
Lynda Sheard from Bramley receiving her Covid-19 booster vaccination in a Leeds pharmacy.
People eligible during this year’s vaccination campaign include all aged 65 and over, care home residents, frontline health and social care staff, those at increased risk because they are pregnant or have a certain underlying health condition, unpaid carers and household contacts of people with a weakened immune system.
Parents of 2-3 year olds are also invited to get their children’s flu jab, alongside a reminder to get an MMR vaccination if not up to date.
If anyone is concerned or have any questions regarding these vaccinations, they should contact their GP, pharmacist, midwife or hospital team.
Covid-19 vaccinations for those aged under 18 years in West Yorkshire who are eligible for a seasonal vaccination will begin later in the year. The NHS will let eligible families know when this offer opens.
You can find out more at www.