The Barnsley NHS GP COVID-19 vaccination service is joining up with Barnsley College to run clinics on-site for students and staff during September.

The clinics will be open for any students and staff who want their first vaccine.

In a little over a month since Barnsley 16 and 17-year-olds were offered the vaccine, over half of them have already come forward to have theirs. Those aged 18 to 24 have now also passed the uptake rate of some of the older age groups with more than 7 out of 10 now having had their first dose.

Andrea Parkin, head nurse at the Barnsley GP vaccination service said: “We’ve seen so many young people eager to get their vaccine – they’ve weighed up their options and chosen to have it, in a matter of weeks. One in two 16 and 17-year-olds have already had it and we’re sure running some sessions at the college will make it convenient for more to get theirs done.

“It’s important to remember that even though we have fantastic vaccination rates in Barnsley, some people are nervous or worried and some still have questions. We’re proud to be working with the college and the students to help as many of them get their vaccination as soon as possible. Our team will be on hand to answer any questions and help people relax a bit and feel more confident. We’re looking forward to seeing everyone.”

Tony Johnson, Vice Principal Corporate Services at Barnsley College, said: “We are delighted to partner with the NHS in Barnsley, enabling us to offer our students and staff the opportunity to get their first Covid-19 vaccination. Giving people the chance to access vaccinations is very important and we’re grateful to be able to give this support to our students and colleagues.”

The vaccine team will be at Barnsley college for students on Monday 20^th and 27^th September throughout the day.  

Andrea also has a message for everyone else in Barnsley who still wants their first vaccine: “Now is the time to come and see us at one of the general walk-in venues like in Goldthorpe or Lundwood. If you haven’t got round to it yet, or you’ve wanted to get it done in your own time, please come and see us.

“The infection rates are still extremely high, and we don’t want people heading into autumn without having their vaccines. As an NHS nurse I’m seeing the impact that COVID-19 has been having not only on people’s health but the disruption to their work and study, so to see people still coming forward to get the vaccine gives us all hope. We’re particularly keen to see people at the sessions in Lundwood and Goldthorpe over these next couple of weeks who are in their 30s and 40s who haven’t had their 1^st dose yet.”

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Background information:

• The Barnsley NHS GP Vaccination Service is run by Barnsley Healthcare Federation as part of the Barnsley Primary Care Network
• The vaccination clinics atBarnsley College are open for students and staff only. Monday 20^th will be at the Enrichment Theatre and Monday 27^th will be at the Old Mill Lane site atrium.
• 8% of 16 and 17 year-olds have had the vaccine. 70.9% of 18-24 year-olds have had the vaccine (1^stdose). As of 13 September 2021.

• For the latest general walk-in clinic dates for anyone aged 16 and over visitbarnsleyccg.nhs.uk/covidvaccine
• If you are 18 or over it is important to get both doses of the vaccine. Your second dose is 8-12 weeks after your first