OVER-18s, are being encouraged to ‘drop-in’ for their first Covid-19 jab without having to book.
Derwentside Healthcare is to run a walk-in clinic for people who have not-yet taken up the offer of a first vaccination.
People due a second dose are also being invited to attend the clinic on Friday 9 July, at Shotley Bridge Hospital, Consett, from 1pm-4pm.
No appointment is required, and anyone registered with a GP practice in Derwentside will be able to get their jab.
Derwentside Healthcare is a Federation of 12 independent GP Practices, covering 96,000 patients including:
- Tanfield View Medical Group
- Consett Medical Centre
- Stanley Medical Group
- Cedars Medical group
- Queens Road Surgery
- Lanchester Medical Group
- West Road Surgery, Drs Lambert & Ng
- Browney House Surgery
- Oakfields Health Group
- The Haven Surgery
- Leadgate Surgery
- Annfield Plain Surgery
First and second doses of the Pfizer vaccine will be available to people aged 18 and over – second doses will only be given to people who had their first Pfizer dose at least 8 weeks ago.
First and second doses of AstraZeneca (AZ) vaccine will be available for people age 40 and over, second doses will only be given to people who had their first AZ dose at least eight weeks ago.
Ross Kemp, business manager, Derwentside Healthcare, said: “We understand that people need to fit their jabs in around other commitments.
“Getting vaccinated becomes much easier when you can walk-in somewhere close to where you live, without having to make an appointment, so for anyone over 18 in Derwentside who hasn’t yet got around to having their first vaccine, this is the perfect opportunity for them to start to get protected.
“And for people who are due their second dose, especially those over 40, it is really important that they get fully protected as soon as possible.”
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 and North Cumbria welcomed news of the new walk-in clinic.
“Our vaccination teams have already delivered more than 645,000 Covid-19 vaccinations from 14 GP led vaccination clinics, five community pharmacies, the Melissa mobile vaccination bus, walk-in and pop-up clinics around the county and the Arnison Centre large vaccination hub,” he said.
“This drop-in clinic approach in Derwentside is another example of our health teams responding to the needs of local people and ensuring that wherever you live in Country Durham vaccinations are available to you.”