Thousands jabbed at pop-up community Covid clinics

‘FANTASTIC ACCOMPLISHMENT’: Julia Weldon

Thousands of people have received Covid vaccinations at pop-up clinics in parks, churches and other community locations across Hull in recent weeks.

A total of 3,457 people in the city received a vaccine at one of the clinics in the last eight weeks, with another 266 having a lateral flow test on site and 3,436 collecting a lateral flow test kit.

The walk-in clinics were set up in seven areas of the city with low vaccine uptakes.

A team from Hull City Council visited local communities to spread the word and distributed more than 8,000 leaflets, including translated versions, to 250 streets.

In some locations, community organisations, councillors and religious centres added their support, working to break down any barriers preventing people from getting vaccinated.

Julia Weldon, Director of Public Health at the council, said: “The team have really accomplished something fantastic with this project.

“Their work and innovation has led to thousands more people being protected from both being seriously ill with the virus and spreading it to others.

“The decision to take clinics into communities, work with people and places that would be familiar to people and remove barriers, like needing to book an appointment or be registered with a GP, has proved very effective.

“Over the course of the pop-ups, the people working on this project helped dispel misinformation, navigate language barriers and provide an alternative for people who are simply unlikely to access healthcare or support through the usual channels.

“Throughout this pandemic, responding quickly and effectively has been our priority. The team which delivered this project turned an idea into setting up that first clinic in Peel Street Park in just weeks.

“Their work is far from over. No-symptom testing is currently available near Primark in Princes Quay and the schedule for forthcoming vaccination and testing locations is being finalised.

“As we head into cooler weather, schools return and more time is spent indoors, it is really important to make sure you have both doses of the vaccine.

“With both, you are 85 per cent less likely to be seriously ill with coronavirus.”