Enough people vaccinated in Newcastle to fill St James’ Park

More than 52,000 people have received a first dose of their Covid-19 vaccine in Newcastle, enough to fill St James’ Park to capacity. 

Partners in Newcastle have been working tirelessly to deliver vaccines to the top priority groups and have made remarkable progress since vaccines were first given regulatory approval in December.  

The progress has been so swift that enough people have now been given their first dose to be able to fill Newcastle United’s famous city centre stadium. 

The call is now being made for all those who have been offered a vaccine but are yet to take up an appointment to come forward to receive their jab. 

Cllr Irim Ali, Newcastle City Council cabinet member for Neighbourhoods and Public Health, said: “After experiencing the most challenging year many of us have ever faced, the speed at which the vaccination programme is rolling out is giving us all hope for a more normal future.  

“Thanks to the collaborative work of health colleagues and many volunteers, tens of thousands of parents, siblings, friends and loved ones are now at a substantially reduced risk of becoming seriously ill with Covid-19. 

“There is still, of course, a long way to go and we must all continue following the rules in full to protect one another whether we’ve been vaccinated for not. But we are certainly on the right path and I must thank and congratulate everyone involved in this incredible achievement. 

“For these vaccines to be effective, we need as many as people as possible to receive them and I would urge everyone when the time comes to make an appointment to receive your first vaccination. These vaccines are rigorously tested prior to approval, and there is no doubt they are the key tool in allowing us to return to normal and let our great city begin to recover from this pandemic.” 

If you are over 70 and have not yet received your vaccine, you can contact the NHS to make an appointment. Visit the NHS booking system or call 119 free.