A Knaresborough pharmacy director has urged people to come forward for a covid vaccine and warned that the virus is “still out there”.
Homecare Pharmacy Services took over the Harrogate Masonic Hall in October to offer covid vaccines to those eligible.
Despite a busy beginning, managing director Jason Baskind said the number of people using the service quickly “died down”.
He added:
“We were really busy for the first two weeks – it was good initially — but people need to be reminded that covid is still out there.”
The pharmacy played a key role in the pandemic after the NHS requested its help to roll-out the vaccine.
It moved to Chain Lane Community Hub and the former Lidl site in Knaresborough to administer more than 200,000 vaccinations.
Mr Baskind feels a change in attitude towards the virus has contributed to the slow uptake. He said:
“I think people have learned to live with it. There was a sense of panic when it was first rolled out and a stipulation to get it – which people did.
“Now, there’s potentially a sense of apathy in terms of the vaccine, but why not take the opportunity to get it?”
Appointments for a covid vaccine can be made on the NHS national booking website.
Those currently eligible for the covid vaccine include people aged 65 and over, frontline healthcare workers, and high-risk individuals living with health conditions.
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New choir to offer therapy to people with Parkinson’s in Harrogate district
A new choir will offer a fun yet effective form of speech therapy for people with Parkinson’s in the Harrogate district.
It will be led by musician Rhiannon Gayle, supported by staff from speech therapy at Harrogate District Hospital.
Each session will offer gentle exercises and fun songs, as well as time to socialise, at the Green Hut on Harlow Avenue, Harrogate, each Monday afternoon.
Research has shown singing helps to improve breathing and voice control in people with Parkinson’s, and group singing is also known to improve mental health and wellbeing.
John Sheepy, chairman of the Harrogate and district branch of Parkinson’s UK, said he is keen to hear from more people with Parkinson’s who could benefit from the choir and the other activities on offer.
“We have 160 members in the branch, but the hospital have 750 people diagnosed with Parkinson’s on their records.
“We’re always trying to find the other mossing 600 – not from our own point of view, but from theirs, because Parkinson’s is a horrible thing to face without support.”
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As well as its monthly meetings, the Harrogate group offers numerous opportunities for members to stay active, from table tennis to crown green bowls, and even boxing.
It also organises talks from experts in fields relevant to Parkinson’s patients. On September 27, three leading speakers will look at advances in research, treatments and technology in a research projects discussion forum held by the branch.
The event takes place at the Masonic Lodge from 7pm, with a meal also available from 6pm at £10 per person.
For more information about the choir or other upcoming events, visit the Harrogate and district Parkinson’s website.