Herbert Barker, the first man in Barnsley to have the COVID-19 vaccine back in December 2020, kicked off the booster campaign in Barnsley on Wednesday, 29 September.

The team will vaccinate 500 people on the first day of booster roll out from the Priory Campus site in Lundwood.

Andrea Parkin, head of the GP vaccination service in Barnsley said: "Whilst we never underestimated the enormity of the task to vaccinate and protect our Barnsley population, few of us imagined that we would still be vaccinating at such a large scale 10 months later. Since we started, we’ve given over 260,000 vaccines in Barnsley which is phenomenal.

"We’ve had a fantastic response so far. People who have been invited for their booster are getting themselves booked in. Our team continue to welcome people with the same levels of enthusiasm they had on the first day and I am so proud of the attitude, dedication, and resilience of our team of vaccinators, administrators and volunteers."

Covid-19 boosters are being prioritised by most vulnerable groups. All adults over the age of 50, persons aged 16 + with associated medical problems and frontline health and care workers will be invited to have the booster jab, with a minimum six-month gap after their second dose. The booster programme is by invite only to make sure everyone can get their vaccine when they are due.

The Barnsley vaccination team is continuing to offer first and second doses of the vaccine for any Barnsley resident. Walk-in clinics are still open for anyone wanting their first vaccine, or people can book ahead. Anyone who needs their second dose should now book online or call 119.

Herbert Barker, Wombwell, was the first to have the Covid-19 vaccine back in December 2020 and he was the first through the doors at Priory Campus to get his booster. He said: “It’s not going away is it and people are still dying, so why not get the vaccine. I’ve had my flu jab too, it makes sense to me to get them done.”

Julia Burrows, Barnsley’s director of public health said: “I urge all those who have not been vaccinated at all to get themselves protected and recommend the booster dose to those eligible to give the additional protection this winter.

"The Covid numbers are still too high and as we head into autumn and winter this is one of the major things you can do protect yourself, your family and friends."