The NHS in Northumberland is urging people to get their booster jabs

Thursday 23 December 2021

As we head into Christmas and the New Year, the NHS in Northumberland is making a plea for everyone who is eligible to come forward for their Covid-19 vaccine or booster.

In response to the Prime Minister’s announcement of opening up the offer of a booster vaccine to every eligible adult over the age of 18, Northumberland has opened up an extra 30,000 additional appointments including at vaccination centres and local pharmacies.

The NHS in Northumberland is working very hard to ensure that Northumberland meets the Government’s target of having everyone receive a booster dose by the end of the year. To achieve this, the NHS needs as many people as possible to come forward and take advantage of this extra capacity.

Dr Graham Syers, Alnwick GP and clinical chair for Northumberland Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) said, “We are seeing the emergence of the new Omicron variant which requires us to have a booster dose. This will give us maximum protection against Covid-19. I know many of you will be feeling vaccine fatigue or maybe don’t want the side effects for Christmas, but it really is the best way to protect our loved ones who we will no doubt be spending time with over the festive season. It’s really quick and easy, and a sore arm and mild symptoms for a couple of days is better than dealing with Covid and the potential long-term effects this can have.

“We couldn’t be more grateful for how well the public in Northumberland has responded to the vaccination roll out. Throughout the year we have remained top in the country for the number of vaccines administered and I want to say a huge thank you to everyone in Northumberland for their positive attitude and for doing their bit to help protect their communities. I would urge anyone eligible who has not yet had their booster to come forward.”

To book your booster vaccine or find your nearest walk-in, please go to www.nhs.uk/covidvaccine.