The NHS COVID-19 Vaccination Programme in Calderdale celebrates its first anniversary this week having helped to protect people from the serious effects of COVID-19.

One year ago today (15 December) Calderdale administered its first vaccine to Resham Bi from Halifax and since that time, through an amazing collective effort, the local rollout has given 360,933 vaccine doses (total number of first doses, second doses and boosters) in the Calderdale area. This includes vaccinations provided at local vaccination centres run by groups of GP practices, though CHFT and community pharmacies, as well as numerous pop-up clinics in local communities.

We are proud of the exceptional collective effort that has made this possible and thank all those who have supported the delivery of the programme in the Calderdale area over the past year, from the NHS, Calderdale Council and the voluntary and community sector. Most of all we thank our communities who have responded so well and utilised the opportunity to receive their vaccine. This is Calderdale Cares in practice! 

We now renew our plea for people who have not been vaccinated or are due their booster to come forward as soon as possible to help in an ongoing bid to drive down COVID-19 case rates.

The Chair of NHS Calderdale CCG, Dr Steven Cleasby, said:

“The Calderdale vaccination team – GPs, pharmacists, NHS and council staff, volunteers and community organisations – have worked tirelessly to deliver the biggest vaccination programme in NHS history and we are delighted with the success of the programme to date.

“We must not become complacent. COVID-19 case rates continue to rise across the region and there is now the added threat posed by the new Omicron variant. If you are eligible for the booster or you have not yet had your first or second dose please do come forward for your jab. It will give yourself and your loved ones vital protection over Christmas and the coming weeks.”

The Leader of Calderdale Council, Cllr Tim Swift, said:

“As we reflect on the last 12 months since the very first COVID-19 vaccination in Calderdale, we can be really proud of the incredible joint effort that has helped deliver over 360,000 vaccinations to protect people in the borough.

“Working together as Calderdale Cares, the partnership will continue to work tirelessly to deliver the booster campaign. I’d like to thank everyone that’s been involved, including Council staff, health professionals, volunteers, community groups and everyone who’s taken up the offer of vaccine – showing the usual Calderdale kindness for others.

“Our fight against the virus continues and it’s really important that we all take up the offer of the booster vaccine, especially with the developing situation with the Omicron variant. I know that Calderdale residents will step up once again and show their commitment to looking after each other.”

Calderdale Council’s Director for Public Health, Debs Harkins, said:

“12 months ago, we started an incredible journey as we began the rollout the COVID-19 vaccination programme, protecting people in Calderdale from serious illness. Throughout the year the response from everyone involved has been astounding and although it’s been a tough 12 months, the efforts of an amazing partnership have made a real difference and saved so many lives.

“Boosting immunity through vaccination is a really important way to prevent serious illness from COVID-19. As we head into what’s likely to be another difficult winter period, I encourage everyone to take up the offer of a booster as soon as possible, or if you haven’t yet received your first or second dose, make sure you book as soon as you can.

“We all want to have a safe and enjoyable Christmas, so let’s keep up the good work and protect ourselves, our loved ones and our hard-working health and social care services.”

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has updated its guidance to recommend boosters are offered to all adults and that the gap between the second dose and booster vaccination is reduced to three months. The NHS is aiming to offer all adults their booster jab by the end of December. People who are eligible can book online using the National Booking Service or by calling 119 or find a local walk-in service at www.calderdaleccg.nhs.uk/grabajab

Calderdale Clinical Commissioning Group, the NHS, Calderdale Council and the voluntary and community sector work in partnership as Calderdale Cares, bringing together organisations delivering health and care services in Calderdale.

The aim is to create strong collaboration across Calderdale where organisations share resources to deliver a range of support to meet each person’s individual needs, within their own community.

Calderdale Cares is one of the key mechanisms for delivering Vision 2024, helping to create a more resilient community. To find out more visit www.calderdale.gov.uk/vision.