HEALTH chiefs are urging people to get their booster vaccine as soon as they become eligible as the Covid-19 vaccination roll out continues.
GPs in County Durham are encouraging anyone at greater risk from the virus to make sure they are fully protected ahead of winter.
The third jab is being offered to everyone over the age of 50, health and social care workers, those with underlying health conditions and all adult household contacts of people at risk from becoming severely ill from Covid-19.
Dr Stewart Findlay, chief officer, NHS County Durham Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), and clinical director of the Covid-19 Vaccination Programme in the North East & North Cumbria said: “We want to provide people, that are most likely to become seriously ill from COVID-19 and those who care for them, with the best possible protection this winter.
“We have a few very challenging few months ahead and we need to protect ourselves and the most vulnerable in our communities.
“If you’re eligible it’s never too late to have a first or second Covid vaccination and having a booster and a flu jab will help reduce the chances of you, or your loved ones, becoming seriously ill and ending up in hospital.”
The booster vaccine is available through a range of services. Primary care teams will vaccinate care home staff and residents, health and social care staff will be directed to book their appointments through employers and members of the public will be invited to get their booster through a GP-led service.
People can book an appointment through the national COVID-19 vaccination booking service: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/ or by calling NHS 119, to get their booster in a designated pharmacy, vaccination centre or GP-led service.
People should get their booster no earlier than six months, or 182 days, following their second jab and the NHS advises that you must wait at least four weeks (28 days) after having a positive Covid-19 test before booking a booster.
A number of walk-in covid booster clinics are also being made available across County Durham, with no appointment required, including:
Please note: The information below was correct as of 22/10/21.
To access the latest information on walk in clinics, please visit
Friday 22nd October
Peterlee, Peterlee Community Hospital Hub, SR8 5UQ, 10am – 3pm
Bishop Auckland, Bishop Auckland Football Club, DL14 9AE 2pm – 6pm
Durham, Arnison Large Vaccination Centre, DH1 5FA, 9am – 6pm
Saturday 23rd October
Durham, Arnison Large Vaccination Centre, DH1 5FA, 9am – 6pm
Sunday 24th October
Durham, Arnison Large Vaccination Centre, DH1 5FA, 9am – 6pm
Monday 25th October
Bowburn, Bowburn Community Centre, Durham Road, DH6 5AT 11am – 5pm
Booster vaccinations for eligible patients registered with Bowburn, Belmont, Sherburn and Cheveley GP Practices
Tuesday 26th October
Bowburn, Bowburn Community Centre, Durham Road, DH6 5AT 10am – 3pm
Booster vaccinations for eligible patients registered with Bowburn, Belmont, Sherburn and Cheveley GP Practices
Wednesday 27th October
Peterlee, Peterlee Community Hospital Hub, SR8 5UQ, 9am – 6pm
Thursday 28th October
Peterlee, Peterlee Community Hospital Hub, SR8 5UQ, 10am – 6pm.