PEOPLE across Keighley hoping to escape to the sun or enjoy the ski slopes over the Easter holidays are being urged to ensure they're fully vaccinated against Covid-19.

Vaccination programme bosses in Bradford district and Craven say that having a full course of jabs will not only help protect anyone heading abroad, but will also mean returning holidaymakers won't have to take any tests.

Under current rules anybody not fully vaccinated will need to take a pre-departure test, and a PCR test on or before day two following their arrival back in the UK – adding to the cost of the holiday.

Karen Dawber, senior responsible officer for the district's vaccination programme, said: "We have been waiting for so long to be able to get away to the sun or the snow and being fully vaccinated against Covid-19 means we can finally plan well-earned holidays.

"I encourage everybody who is eligible to have the vaccination so they are protected against the virus and can travel abroad without worrying about being stopped from travelling to or entering the country they want to visit.

"Just about every country requires us to be fully vaccinated to protect ourselves and, crucially, the people who live and work in our holiday and business travel destinations. It is a small price to pay to keep us all safer.

"Health services and pharmacies in Bradford district and Craven provide a range of vaccination centres and pop-up clinics offering jabs, from 9.30am to 11pm, depending on which day you visit.

"For those looking to avoid another year of staycations, we are encouraging people to get jabbed now so they can enjoy a holiday abroad.

"If any holidaymaker needs to take a test, the UK one alone could add at least £60 per person to the cost of their holiday. For a family of four, that is at least £240 – the cost of an excursion trip or extra spending money for luxuries.

"Travellers should always check vaccination requirements with their tour operator or visit the website of the embassy or government of their destination."

People considering travelling on April 9, the first Saturday of the Easter holidays, should have their booster before March 26. You can only have the booster if you've received the earlier doses.

Details of vaccination centres and pop-up clinics are published daily on the Bradford District and Craven Clinical Commissioning Group website, at bradfordcravenccg.nhs.uk.