People in Wakefield urged to have their second covid vaccination

People need two doses of the vaccine to get the maximum amount of protection and should have their second vaccination 11-12 weeks after their first dose.

Over 10,000 people in the first priority groups have already received their second dose in Wakefield and vaccine is being carefully allocated to make sure everyone gets their second dose at the right time.

People who received the first dose of the vaccine through their GP practice will be contacted by their practice when it is time for their second vaccination, while those who used the NHS National Booking Service will have already booked their second appointment.

Dr Colin Speers, local GP and Clinical Lead for COVID-19 Vaccination, NHS Wakefield Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) said: “Whilst the first dose of the vaccine offers a good level of protection against the disease, evidence from the clinical trials clearly showed that people build up better protection against COVID-19 symptoms when the vaccine is given in two, smaller doses, with an interval between them.

“Having your second dose will ensure you get the maximum level of protection against this awful disease, which has had such severe consequences for people in our local communities.

"Please make sure you attend when your practice contacts you or keep your appointment if you already have one. If you have booked your appointment through the National Booking Service but need to change it you can easily do this online or by calling 119.”

Emily Waugh, who is an Activities Coordinator at Newfield Lodge Care Home in Castleford, recently had her second vaccination and is urging others to do the same.

She said: “People need to remember to go for their second vaccination to ensure they are as protected as possible from the virus. It’s such a feeling of relief to be fully vaccinated - it feels like there is finally some light at the end of the tunnel and we will hopefully soon see our lives returning to normal.”

People who have had the vaccine are also reminded that they still need to follow national Government guidance to protect both themselves and others from COVID-19.