Today (Friday 14 January) buildings across Bradford District and Craven will light up blue to celebrate another key milestone in the local COVID-19 vaccination programme – one million vaccines have been given across the district, this includes first, second, and booster jabs as well as third primary doses for people who are immunosuppressed.

Council and NHS buildings including the clock tower at City Hall in the centre of Bradford, Skipton Town Hall, Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust will all turn blue to mark the occasion.

Since the vaccination programme started back in December 2020, the vaccines have been administered in various locations across the district, this includes community centres, churches, mosques, schools, vaccination bus, care homes, GP surgeries, people’s living rooms, hospital hubs, and Bradford City Football Club stadium, and Bradford was the first to have the women’s only clinic as well as delivering the vaccine at MyLahore flagship restaurant.

Act as One – the health and care partnership for Bradford District and Craven – is urging local people who have not had their first, second or booster dose to come forward and have their vaccine.

Karen Dawber, Senior Responsible Officer for the Vaccination Programme in Bradford District and Craven said: “What a milestone to reach for our district and we’re really proud of this achievement. This wouldn’t have been possible without the commitment, hard work and sheer dedication of NHS staff, local authority, and voluntary and community organisations. Staff and volunteers have worked around the clock to protect local people for their first, second, and booster jabs as well as third primary doses for people who are immunosuppressed.

“I’m making a personal plea to people in our district, if you’ve not had your COVID-19 vaccine, whether it’s your first, second, or booster dose as well as a third dose for people who are immunosuppressed – we’re ready to vaccinate you.

“You can either book an appointment to have your vaccine or visit a walk-in vaccination clinic near you by visiting www.bit.ly/CovidVaccineBDC The website also includes information about the different pop-up clinics we’re holding, we’re going out to our communities to vaccinate people in an environment they feel comfortable with.

“We know there is a lot of misinformation circulating on various channels about the vaccine and we’re encouraging you to speak to a healthcare professional if you have a question about the vaccine. You can do this by attending a vaccination clinic (via booked appointment or a walk-in clinic) and the clinician will answer your questions. Stay safe, protect yourself by getting vaccinated and be part of our success.”

To find walk-in vaccination clinics across the district, please visit www.bit.ly/CovidVaccineBDC