More than 100 people received their first coronavirus vaccination at the Central Jamia Mosque Madni on Gibbett Streetin Halifax, as it was transformed into a one-day Covid-19 vaccination centre on Sunday 14^th February 2021.

Vaccinations were available without the need for an appointment, as long as those attending were over the age of 70, a frontline health and social care worker, or had received a letter from the NHS to show they were classed as clinically vulnerable.

Staff from local GP practices carried out the vaccinations, and given the success of the event, it’s hoped that further pop-up clinics can be arranged in communities across Calderdale in the future.

Nadeem Akhtar, GP and Clinical Director of Central Halifax Primary Care Network (PCN) said: “It’s been absolutely fantastic and a real success. We’ve come here and won hearts and minds. There was significant confusion and concerns around the vaccination but we’ve had the opportunity to come to the heart of the community and have those discussions, and people have actually changed their minds and have taken up the opportunity to be vaccinated against the virus.

“People who’ve previously declined the vaccination have actually come along today and had it, because they’ve had an opportunity to ask the questions they needed to in a place they felt comfortable.

“This has highlighted the benefit of pop-up clinics and using religious and community buildings to deliver the COVID-19 vaccination. I’d like to congratulate everyone involved, and in particular I’d like to thank the committee at Madni Mosque for allowing us this opportunity to host this clinic, and my team at Halifax Central Primary Care Network for helping us deliver vaccinations to the community today.”

The Chairman of Madni Mosque Haji Mohammed Sultan said: “I am pleased to be working with partners to offer the Mosque as a pop-up clinic to support the vaccination programme.

“In Islam, preservation of life is of the utmost importance. We want to do our part in supporting the efforts of agencies in combatting the pandemic and all want to return to our normal way of life. I would like to reassure anyone that is hesitant to receiving the vaccination that it is safe, and it is being provided to save lives”.

Debs Harkins, Director of Public Health at Calderdale Council said: “I know some people have concerns about the vaccinations, but I want to reassure the community that the approved vaccines are safe and have undergone rigorous testing and confirm that no meat derivatives or porcine products are present. They are suitable for Muslims, vegetarians and vegans.”

“Our black and minority ethnic communities continue to be disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, so it’s really important that these communities get the necessary protection. Getting vaccinated as soon as you are eligible will help protect yourself, your families and your communities”.

We know lots of people will be eager to get protected but if you are not yet eligible for your vaccination, we’d ask that you continue to be patient and wait for the NHS to contact you directly.

The NHS is working hard to make sure those at greatest risk are offered the vaccine first and people will not be able to make an appointment until they have received their invitation.