A further 45 people received their first Covid-19 vaccination at Elland Masjid (mosque), on Saturday 6^th March 2021, as Calderdale’s coronavirus vaccination programme continues to protect people across the borough.

People over the age of 60, 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.

Fawad Azam, GP and Clinical Director of Calder and Ryburn Primary Care Network (PCN) said:

“Thank you to Elland Masjid for inviting us down today. It’s really important that people from the BAME community get vaccinated, and there’s lots of misinformation spread on WhatsApp groups and social media, so we’re here as medical professionals to reassure people that the vaccination is safe. Dr Fawad Azam, GP at Stainland Road Medical Centre and Clinical Director of Calder and Ryburn Primary Care Network delivers a Covid-19 vaccination to a patient.

We’ve had a great turn-out with men and women from different faith groups who’ve come today, and I urge everyone to get vaccinated and to urge their friends and family to get vaccinated as well.”

A spokesperson from the Elland Masjid said:

“The Elland Masjid is glad to be hosting a vaccination clinic 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”

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.

The session is the second to have taken place in a local mosque, following the session at the Madni Mosque on Gibbet Street in Halifax in February where over 100 local people received their first Coronavirus vaccination.

Neil Smurthwaite, Chief Operating Officer of NHS Calderdale CCG, said:

“I know some people have concerns about the vaccinations and these community vaccination sessions have given people the chance to chat about their concerns with a GP, nurse or a pharmacist in a familiar setting.

“Our local NHS has done really well in getting local GP services in a position to receive and vaccinate people, but the ongoing GP clinics and pop-up community vaccination clinics offer people alternative locations to meet the needs of our diverse population.

“Wherever you can get vaccinated, just get it as soon as you are eligible to help protect yourself, your families and your communities”.