Health chiefs urge people to get boosted for Christmas

With Christmas just 23 sleeps away, eligible people in Kirklees are being urged to get their booster jab to keep them and others safe during the festivities.

With Christmas just 23 sleeps away, eligible people in Kirklees are being urged to get their
booster jab to keep them and others safe during the festivities.

Health chiefs estimate that around 7 in 10 eligible people in West Yorkshire have now had
the vital top-up jab but are urging those who have not yet come forward to do so as soon
as possible. Most will also be eligible for a free flu jab and with experts concerned about a
possible ‘twindemic’ of COVID and flu this winter, people are being encouraged to double
their defences by getting both vaccines.

Steve Brennan, who leads the vaccination programme in Kirklees, said, “It might not be
top of your Christmas wish-list but the vaccinations are the best present you could give
yourself and those you care about. COVID is still circulating and making people seriously
unwell and we are expecting infection rates to rise again in the New Year. Similarly, flu
cases are on the rise and can be very dangerous for people in ‘at risk’ groups. Getting
your jabs now will mean you are protected in time for socialising with family and friends
over the festive period, when viruses like COVID and flu can spread most easily.”

Everyone aged 50 and over, or who has a condition that puts them at greater risk from
COVID-19 is eligible for the booster jab to keep their immunity as high as possible this
winter. This includes people with weakened immune systems, learning disabilities and
pregnant women. Frontline health and care workers and unpaid carers are also eligible
and being urged to protect themselves and those they care for by getting their booster and
flu jabs.

Steve added, “We have a number of walk-in and pop-up clinics available to make it as
easy as possible for you to get your booster – or your first or second dose if you have not
yet been vaccinated – so please call in and get protected as soon as you can.”

Rachel Spencer-Henshall, Director of Public Health at Kirklees Council said, “Christmas is
a busy time of year when infections can spread more easily with more serious impacts for
people with health conditions and older residents. That’s why getting your winter vaccines
is the best way to protect yourself and those you care about this Christmas.”

Anyone eligible for a booster can book an appointment on the National Booking Service
at www.nhs.uk/covidvaccine or by calling 119 free of charge. Or people can search for
walk-in clinics near them at www.nhs.uk/grab-a-jab.

Flu jabs are being offered to eligible people by their GP or are available at many local
pharmacists.