South Tyneside’s successful Covid-19 vaccine effort is stepping up a gear with the start of three regular drop-in clinics for local residents from next week.
The clinics, which are open to anyone over 18, are targeted mainly at people who still need their first jab, as the NHS aims to help as many people as possible get their first dose before 19 July.
The sessions take place at The Glen primary care centre, Hebburn, on Tuesdays 3-6pm; Cleadon Park primary care centre, on Thursdays 3-6pm; and Flagg Court health centre, South Shields, on Saturdays 3-6pm, until further notice.
Local GP Dr John Lloyd is part of the team coordinating the vaccine in South Tyneside. Dr Lloyd said: “It’s never been easier to get the vaccine, and more than three-quarters of South Tyneside residents have already had their first dose.
“Getting vaccinated is the best protection both for yourself and everyone around you, so it’s great that we can now offer another easy way – with no booking and no hassle.”
The latest figures show that 77.1% of local people have had their first dose, while more than half of the adults in South Tyneside (59.3%) have had their second dose.
The new clinics provide another convenient option for people to get the jab. While GP-led local vaccine centres and mass vaccine centres like the Nightingale Hospital have been operating for several months, the jab is also available by appointment at four local pharmacies – Edinburgh Road Pharmacy in Jarrow, Simonside Pharmacy in South Shields, Neil Pharmacy in Jarrow and Whiteleas Pharmacy in South Shields.
To book an appointment at a local vaccine centre (The Glen, Cleadon Park or Flagg Court), please call the South Tyneside Vaccination Contact Centre on 0191 283 1925 or speak with your GP practice.
Appointments to get the vaccine at pharmacies, or a large vaccine centre such as the Nightingale Hospital or Centre for Life, are available via the NHS website or by calling 119 between 7am and 11pm.
If you have any questions about the vaccine, please call the South Tyneside Vaccination Contact Centre on 0191 283 1925.
