Patients across Craven and the Bradford district have been receiving the first local doses of the coronavirus vaccine.
One of the first to be vaccinated against the disease today was 95 year old Mohammed Bostan, who received his jab at the Long Lee Surgery in Keighley.
Before retiring, Mohammed was a local textile worker and has spent most of the last 20 years caring for his wife. He now lives with his son in Keighley. He said, “If I can help save just one person’s life by encouraging them to have their vaccination then I’ll be very happy. I’ve been staying at home (self-isolating) since March, and only go out to go to the doctors or for a hospital appointment. Having the vaccine is a lifeline for me and I’m looking forward to having my booster in three weeks so I can get out a little more in the New Year.”
Patients aged 80 and above who have regular hospital outpatient appointments, or who have been discharged home after a hospital stay are among the first in the area to receive the vaccine at localGP practice ‘hubs’. Some patients are also being offered vaccines at Bradford Royal Infirmary, if they are unable to travel to one of the hubs.
Dr James Thomas, the local GP who administered the vaccine to Mr Bostan and clinical chair of NHS Bradford District and Craven Clinical Commissioning Group said: “I would like to give a huge thank you to Mr Bostan and all those patients who have taken up the opportunity to come and have their coronavirus vaccination. It’s a really exciting moment to be here at the surgery today giving these life-saving vaccinations. The vaccine will make a real difference to the health and wellbeing of some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.
“I would also like to say thank you to my colleagues across the NHS who continue to do an incredible job and have made a huge collective effort over the last few weeks to make sure we’re ready to deliver this historic vaccination programme.”
Dr Matt Curtis, from Long Lee Surgery, part of the Modality GP Partnership said: “We are really proud to be one of the first practices in Bradford to be able to deliver the coronavirus vaccine to patients. When we have been contacting patients, the reaction to being invited for the vaccine has been overwhelmingly positive, it’s a real lifeline for some of the most vulnerable and isolated people in our communities. Our NHS colleagues across Bradford district and Craven have really pulled together to get this up and running, thank you to everyone involved.”
The NHS is asking people to wait to be contacted when it’s their turn to be vaccinated. Those invited should attend all appointments offered to ensure they receive the full dose of the vaccine. Priority is being given to those people who are most at risk from the virus first. Medics say it is still important to follow all the guidelines to stop the spread of coronavirus, even if you have had the vaccine. That includes practicing social distancing, washing your hands for longer and more often, and wearing a face covering when in public places.
Classical music to stay at Ilkley & Keighley stations
Northern trains named among least reliable operators
One year anniversary for “invaluable” forces Breakfast Club
Date set for Ilkley's Annual Town Meeting
Medal haul for Ilkley Swimming Club
Be part of this historic moment in Ilkley’s story
Addingham man conducts wedding in German in Skipton's twin town
Visionary composer Andrew Wasylyk to perform in Ilkley this September
Calls to 'respect the moorland' following theft of signs on Ilkley Moor
Fourth event in the CAI series Your World, Your Vote
St George celebrated in Keighley
Keighley Playhouse Presents: Jack Popplewell's Hilarious Comedy "Busybody"
Friends of Ilkley Rail Station holds first volunteer day
Spring opening announced for Ilkley Lido
Go behind the scenes with 'Mr Bates vs the Post Office' writer
Plans approved to bring former Skipton department store back into use
Celebrate the beauty of cherry blossom at Keighley’s Cliffe Castle
Village inn reopens after full refurbishment
Woman dies after emergency crews attend Skipton bus station
Charity appoints new Keighley-based arts and heritage officer
