Vaccination Pop Up Site

A Huddersfield mosque has become the first place in Kirklees to be transformed into a pop-up vaccination clinic.

Masjid Riza, in Birkby, welcomed patients eligible to receive the Covid-19 jab following Friday prayers on March 26. Staff from local GP practices worked in partnership with mosque trustees and committee members to run the clinic "with the intention of increasing the uptake of vaccine and reducing misinformation."

"Dr Jalil Ahmed, a GP at Fieldhead Surgery, delivered a sermon during Friday prayers on the importance of getting the jab. He said many people remarked that his speech helped them "make their decision to come and get the vaccine."

It comes as more than half of adults in Kirklees have now received at least one dose of a vaccine.

‍Dr Burhan Ahmed, clinical director for Greenwood PCN and GP at Croft Medical Centre, said: "We want to make sure all communities get the vaccine and reassure people about any concerns they may have.

We have been looking at ways we can reach different groups of patients and where we might need different approaches to help people feel more confident about having their vaccination. It is important that no one is left behind.

Our vaccination team have collaborated with Kirklees Council and Kirklees CCG to deliver this service with the intention of increasing the uptake of the vaccine and reducing misinformation."

”Sharafat Ali, a Masjid Riza trustee, said: "We have wanted to get involved and support the NHS with the local Covid-19 vaccination programme for some time. "

It has been a fully inclusive clinic and we are really pleased to have welcomed so many people from our community.

"Rachel Spencer-Henshall, Strategic Director for Public Health at Kirklees Council, said: "Over half of all adults in Kirklees have now received their first dose of the vaccine, which is excellent.

"We want to make sure everyone who is eligible can get the vaccine. We know some people still have questions or may be hesitant, so receiving the vaccine in a familiar setting, like Masjid Riza, can really help to increase confidence levels and uptake."