PEOPLE living in the North Tyne will now be able to get a Covid booster jab closer to home.

A series of walk-in clinics will take place at Parkside Pharmacy in Bellingham before Christmas.

Covid booster jabs were previously only available at Hexham Mart, and Hexham MP Guy Opperman and Bellingham county councillor John Riddle said they had been contacted by residents who had complained that there wasn’t local access to vaccines in rural Tynedale like in previous roll-outs of the vaccine.

Following representations to the North East and Cumbria Integrated Health Board, Parkside Pharmacy will now be included in the Covid autumn booster rollout.

Walk-in clinics at the pharmacy will take place on the following days:

  • Tuesday, December 13 9.30am until 4pm
  • Wednesday, December 14 10am until midday
  • Thursday, December 15 10am until midday
  • Friday, December 16 10am until midday
  • Tuesday, December 20 10am until 4.30pm

No appointments are necessary.

Mr Opperman said: "I am delighted that following our campaign Covid jabs will now be administered locally in Bellingham.

"I would encourage anyone eligible to come forward and get their Covid booster and flu jab.

"Getting our communities vaccinated will help everyone stay safe this winter."

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Hexham Courant:

Cllr Riddle said: "It is brilliant news that local people have been listened to. There needs to be access to vaccines locally in Bellingham.

"If you are eligible, please come forward and get your Covid and flu jabs."

People aged 50 years and over, those in care homes, and those aged five years and over in clinical risk groups are being offered an autumn booster of the Covid vaccine.

It is also being offered to front-line health and social care staff, those who care for vulnerable individuals and families of individuals with weakened immune systems.