NHS figures show more than 18 million Covid-19 vaccinations have been delivered in the North East and Yorkshire – including 4.9 million vital booster jabs.
People in the region who have yet to come forward are being urged to do so at a time and place convenient for them, at the earliest opportunity possible. All adults are eligible for two doses and a booster which gives protection against serious illness and the offer remains open.
“NHS teams in the North East and Yorkshire continue to vaccinate thousands of people every day against Covid-19 and our uptake has been phenomenal,” said Dr Yvette Oade, NHS clinical lead of the regional vaccination programme. “The vaccination programme has played a really big role in keeping people fit and well and opening up society.
“We are still seeing people come forward for their first doses and are pleased and delighted to welcome them. We also have people coming forward for their second doses and booster jabs. Covid-19 is still active, and the vaccine offers the best protection against becoming seriously unwell, staying out of hospital and passing the virus on to others.”
Dr Oade urged people who have yet to come forward for their vaccine to book an appointment through the National Booking Service or by calling 119 free of charge (translators are available on request). More information can be found at www.nhs.uk/covidvaccine.
People who have recently recovered from Covid should still come forward for their vaccination, as having had the virus does not give the same levels of protection. Anyone over 18 years who has had Covid will need to wait four weeks before having any dose of the vaccine, or 12 weeks for those aged 12 to 17 years.
Dr Oade added: “If you know anybody who isn’t vaccinated, or who’s deferred having their second or booster doses, please encourage them to speak to a NHS vaccination team member who will be able to answer their questions or concerns and support people to have their life-saving vaccine.”
Find your nearest walk-in vaccination clinic in County Durham: https://countydurhamccg.nhs.uk/where-and-when-you-can-you-get-a-walk-in-covid-19-jab-in-county-durham/