A LEADING doctor is calling on people in Bradford who haven’t yet had their flu and Covid vaccinations to come forward as soon as possible.

Dr James Thomas, GP and Medical Director for the West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, is making the plea as both viruses continue to spread widely across the region and put increasing pressure on already stretched NHS services.

As expected, cases of both viruses rose sharply over the Christmas and New Year period, as did the number of hospital admissions.

Almost two thirds of those eligible for a Covid booster in West Yorkshire have already had the vital top up jab since the rollout started last autumn. However, that means there are still over 400,000 people at increased risk from the virus who have yet to get protected.

Dr Thomas, who also leads the NHS West Yorkshire Vaccination Programme, said: “We understand that people may be tired of having to get vaccinated but this is the only way to keep people safe and live with Covid.

“Immunity wanes over time, so the booster is needed to bring your protection back up to the highest level.”

Both bookable and walk-in appointments are still available at clinics across the region, as well as at pop-up clinics. Go to nhs.uk/covidvaccine, call 119, or go to nhs.uk/grab-a-jab

 

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