Kirklees Together

Thousands of more people across Kirklees will get a COVID vaccine this weekend, as Kirklees Council and NHS open drop-in sessions and walk-in appointments across the district as part of the NHS’s Big Vaccination Weekend.

The national initiative to remove barriers and encourage uptake of the life-saving vaccine will see drop-in vaccination sessions pop-up in towns and villages across the country, and Kirklees is no exception.

Visitors to Huddersfield Town Centre will be able to get a vaccine Whilst enjoying everything the town has to offer including the Woven Festival’s Big Knit – a celebration of textiles taking place across Kirklees. 

There will be a chance to drop in for a different kind of needle at the pop-up vaccination tent outside Huddersfield’s Railway Station in St George’s Square from 10am – 5pm on Saturday 26 June and 10am – 4pm on Sunday 27 June.

The aim of the additional pop up in St George’s Square is to make it as easy as possible for people who have yet to be vaccinated which is why the council has also announced that there will be free parking available at the following car parks: Springwood, Huddersfield Leisure Centre, Cambridge Road, Bath Street and Huddersfield Bus Station as well as all council-run on-street parking spaces within the town centre on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 June.

The council is advising people to look out for signs or to visit its website www.kirklees.gov.uk/parking confirming which car parks are included.  To make sure as many people can visit as possible, maximum stay limits will still apply.

Huddersfield’s two main vaccination centres will also be open for drop-in appointments. Anyone over 18 will be able to have their first vaccine without an appointment at John Smiths Stadium (8 am – 7 pm Saturday & Sunday) and Cathedral House (Saturday only; 10 am – 1 pm, and 3 pm – 6 pm).

Rachel Spencer-Henshall Director of Public Health said:

“We’ve seen already how pop-up vaccination clinics are helping make sure that the vaccination programme leaves no-one behind.  The additional push this weekend means that even if you haven’t had chance to book an appointment you can get a vaccine.

We want to make it as simple and convenient as possible for everyone to get vaccinated. Our infection rate is still high, and we need to make sure deaths and hospital admissions don’t rise as we enjoy being able to do more things with our friends and loved ones.

Every vaccination matters. Taking the vaccine when it’s your turn is the best way to save lives and keep pressure off the NHS. It is safe, quick and significantly protects you from Covid-19. The more people that take it, the safer we all are and the sooner we can get back to normality.”

Steve Brennan, Senior Responsible Officer for the Vaccination Rollout in Kirklees said:

“Over recent weeks it’s been great to see glimpses of what we once called normal life return and I know we all want restrictions to be lifted. The reality of the situation is that getting the vaccine is the best way we can all help to see those restrictions lifted.  The more people are fully vaccinated, the more the spread of the virus will be limited, and fewer people will end up in hospital. That is the aim of this weekend.  It’s about vaccinating as many people as possible and making the process easy for everyone to get their jabs – whether that is a first or second dose. If you are 18 or over please go and get your jab.”

Mr Asghar Khan, Managing Director at Medicare Chemists who are running the St George’s Square pop up, commented:

“We’re pleased to be working with Kirklees Council as part of their larger vaccination roll-out. The Woven festival at St George’s Square provides the perfect opportunity to allow people to access the vaccination service in a central location. I would encourage anyone over 18, to make the choice to protect their families and themselves by stepping inside one of Kirklees many vaccination clinics”

In addition to the vaccination pop-ups in Huddersfield, there will also be pop-ups in other parts of the borough.

As well as providing first vaccines, all the vaccination pop-ups mentioned below will be offering opportunities for anyone who had their first vaccine at least 8 weeks ago to attend for their second.

Saturday

• Batley & Spen Vaccination Centre, 1 Talbot St. – Saturday 26 June, 9am-6pm
• Huddersfield – Cathedral House – Saturday 26 June – 10am-1pm, 3pm-6pm
• Huddersfield –St George’s Square – Saturday 26 June, 10am-5pm
• Huddersfield – John Smith Stadium – Saturday 26 June, 8am-7pm

Sunday

• Mount Pleasant, Batley – Madina Masjid Community Centre – Sunday 27 June, 2pm-6pm
• Liversedge – Saint Andrews Methodist Church – Sunday 27 June, 1pm-8pm – Pfizer only, no AZ
• Huddersfield –St George’s Square – Sunday 27 June, 10am-4pm
• Huddersfield – John Smith Stadium – Sunday 27 June, 8am-7pm

Monday

• Cleckheaton – Aakash (Restaurant) – Monday 28th June, 2pm – 6pm

The NHS and council are working together to make sure as many people can get a vaccine as possible, and more drop in sessions are planned over the coming weeks, you can find a full list of places to get a vaccine on the council’s website: www.kirklees.gov.uk/covid19vaccinations

If you are unable to travel to a vaccination centre due to mobility issues or struggle to meet the cost of travel you can get support by visiting the council website: https://kirklees-self.achieveservice.com/service/COVID_19___Vaccination_Transport_Booking