Drop-in covid vaccine sessions in South Shields and Hebburn arranged for priority groups yet to get first jab

Drop-in sessions are being arranged for people who have not yet had their first jabs.

People in the first nine vaccine priority groups can attend special drop-in sessions at Flagg Court Health Centre in South Shields and The Glen Primary Care Centre in Hebburn on Wednesday 14 April, 8am to 6pm, with no appointment needed.

The first nine groups include everyone over 50, along with care home residents and staff, frontline health and social care workers, clinically extremely vulnerable patients and people who live with them, and those in at-risk groups.

Dr Dave Julien, clinical director at NHS South Tyneside Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said: "If you're over 50 or in an at-risk group and haven't yet had your first vaccine, this is another chance to get the jab before the programme moves on to other groups.

"Our focus so far has been on reaching people who need protection most urgently, and we've had a fantastic response from patients. For some people it can be more difficult – if it's hard to get the time off work, if you wanted time to think about it, or if your health makes it difficult to commit to an appointment time.

"You won't need an appointment for these clinics, so it couldn't be easier. If you are eligible, the door is still open for you to come forward and get protected.”

He added: "As the lockdown is gradually eased and people come out into their communities more, we're determined to make sure people are as safe as possible."

You should NOT attend these clinics if:

:: You have already had your first jab

:: You are not in one of the priority groups

:: You have had Covid in the past 28 days

:: You have had a previous severe allergic reaction to medication

:: You are under 30 – as you will be offered an alternative vaccine later

Almost 75,000 people in South Tyneside have now received at least one dose of the vaccine, and around 16,000 have had a second dose.

The vaccine centres are led by Primary Care Networks, which are groups of local GP practices working together.

In addition, a team of South Tyneside pharmacists is working weekends to provide second doses to more than 1,500 housebound people during April.

If you are in a priority group and have worries about the vaccine, you can find more information at www.nhs.uk or www.southtynesideccg.nhs.uk, or call the South Tyneside Vaccination Contact Centre on 0191 283 1925 for advice.

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