A new pop-up vaccination centre will be opening at the Bilal Centre in Leeds this week to help encourage people in the local community to get their jabs.
The pop-up service at the centre on Conway Road will take place every Wednesday (starting 10 March) in March and eligible people will receive a text message from their GP practice. People will be able to attend in the morning from 10am to 12pm to discuss any concerns and will be able to have their vaccine if they decide to, as well as bookable slots which will be available between 1 to 3pm.
Healthcare professionals will be joined by local community leaders to encourage people to have their vaccine, it will also be an opportunity for local people to discuss any concerns they may have on the vaccines.
The Leeds Vaccination Programme is looking at ways to encourage uptake in areas where fewer people have had their vaccination and the Burmantofts, Harehills and Richmond Hill Primary Care Network (PCN) are taking the vaccine out into the community to reach more of their patients.
Dr Amal Paul, GP and Clinical Director for Burmantofts, Harehills and Richmond Hill PCN, said: “Our local intelligence has shown that vaccination uptake is lower amongst different ethnically diverse communities and we know COVID-19 has disproportionately affected Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority (BAME) groups so it is very important they have the vaccine to get protected.
“The pop-up clinic will hopefully help to encourage more patients in the local community to have their vaccination by offering it in a venue that they feel comfortable attending. I personally want to thank colleagues across the NHS, Leeds City Council and the third sector who have made this happen, the council are helping deliver the vaccine through their community outreach work. This just another example of team Leeds coming together to deliver the vaccination programme across the city.
“We know there’s a lot of misinformation on the vaccine on social media platforms, which is why we’re offering local patients the opportunity to come and talk to us and local community leaders if they’re unsure or have concerns about the vaccine.
“It’s important that patients understand how the vaccine will help protect them against the disease and reduce their risk of becoming seriously unwell.”
Councillor Salma Arif, Executive Member for Health and Wellbeing at Leeds City Council, said: “Having the pop-up vaccination centre at the Bilal Centre is an innovative approach the Council is taking to reach people within our communities who are eligible to have the vaccine. The centre is a trusted resource in the heart of the area.
“I really do hope that people take up the opportunity of coming to the centre when they receive the text message from their GP practice. If you have questions about the vaccine you can talk to healthcare professionals on the day and hear from community leaders who are strongly encouraging people to have the vaccine.
“Getting as many patients as possible vaccinated against COVID-19 is our best hope for returning to normal life. Please have your vaccine when you are invited and help stop the virus.”
For further information about the COVID-19 vaccine, visit www.nhs.uk/CovidVaccine
Notes for editors
Burmantofts, Harehills and Richmond Hill Primary Care Network
Clinical Directors for Burmantofts, Harehills and Richmond Hill Primary Care Network are Dr Nadia Anderson and Dr Amal Paul.
The following practices fall under this PCN:
- Lincoln Green Medical Practice
- Ashton View Medical Centre
- Bellbrooke Surgery
- Shakespeare Medical Practice
- York Street Health Practice
- East Park Medical Centre
- Conway Medical Centre
- Milan Street Surgery
- The Practice at Harehills Corner
- Roundhay Road Surgery
- Newton Medical Practice
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Issued by the communications team at NHS Leeds CCG. You can contact the team on 0113 84 35528 or 0113 84 35470. Alternatively, please email us: leedsccg.comms@nhs.net