Walk-in vaccination clinics are making it easier than ever for people in Calderdale to get their Covid-19 jab, with over 1,000 people dropping in for their vaccination over the last week alone.

Many of these are now offering vaccinations for 16 and 17 year olds following the recent recommendation from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation that jabs should be offered to those aged 16 and over.

Seventeen-year-old Elena was one of the first in the queue at the most recent three-day Piece Hall walk-in clinic, the third one held by the NHS in Calderdale at the iconic Halifax location.

Shots of a different kind were served up at The Acapulco nightclub when it was transformed into a Sunday afternoon vaccination clinic on 22 August.

Almost 100 young, and the young at heart intrigued by the unusual setting, came to get either their first or second dose of the vaccine.

This included Lizzie Jones MBE. The inspirational professional singer, actress, performer, and charity campaigner from Northowram walked-in to the clinic for her second vaccine. The busy mum of three was joined by her new baby, Bella.

Lizzie said: “I got my first vaccine at the Piece Hall in June and I’ve been waiting until I could get my second. These pop-up clinics are great for me as it means I’m not tied to an appointment which I might find difficult to keep. 

“I’m currently breastfeeding Bella and it was really important to me to get the vaccine as soon as I could. I’m happy I’m now fully vaccinated.”  

126,379 second doses have now been given in Calderdale. 1,540 under 18s have had one dose of the vaccine.

Fully vaccinated people are far less likely to suffer severe COVID symptoms, be admitted to hospital, or die from the virus. People aged 20-24 currently have the highest COVID-19 infection rate in England. But by getting both jabs, you can greatly reduce the chance of being hospitalised.

Lizzie added: “My sister is a nurse working in ICU. She’s coming home, sharing some really sad stories, particularly about the numbers of young people in hospital who haven’t had the vaccine.”

Jake Millington from Halifax also came to the club to get his second vaccination. The University of Lincoln student described having COVID-19 whilst at University.

“COVID-19 was very unpleasant. I felt very unwell and didn’t enjoy isolating in my room,” he said.

“I should have been travelling around Japan with a friend right now, but my trip was cancelled. I saw there was a clinic here today, so wanted to get my second jab. I’m looking forward to finally being able to travel.”

Daily walk-in clinics continue to be offered across Calderdale at GP practices and community pharmacies. There will also be another walk-in clinic at The Acapulco on Wednesday 1 September 6-9pm.

Full details about all the clinics, including who these are suitable for, can be found on our website calderdaleccg.nhs.uk/grabajab. Not all walk-in services are suitable for under 18s so please check the age groups before turning up.