Extra vaccination capacity provided for Newcastle residents

Over 16,000 extra appointments for COVID-19 vaccination are being provided every week for Newcastle residents who have not yet had their first dose from eight locations spread across the city.

Vaccine Campaign

Additional community pharmacies will increase the capacity to vaccinate more people, with over 1,000 vaccinations a week being offered by selected Boots and Superdrug stores in Newcastle City Centre.

Plans are also underway for a new pop-up vaccination centre, outside the Centre for Life which will provide 2000 extra appointments every week in addition to the 1500 daily appointments inside The Centre for Life.

NHS Primary care is providing 5000 weekly first appointments at the Newcastle Eagles Community Arena, whilst the popular Vaccine Bus steps up to seven days a week targeting vaccination into key communities.

With over 18’s becoming eligible by the end of the week appointments are offered to people based on the vaccines used which are suitable for the individuals age.

All appointments, with the exception of the Vaccine Bus, can be booked through the National Booking Service or by calling 119 with more appointments being made available all the time – people should check back regularly if they find nothing suitable that is immediately available.

Appointments on the Vaccine Bus will be communicated depending on the location and communities being targeted, with some local drop-ins, appointment only and specific opportunities available.

Professor Neil Watson, Chief Operating Officer for the NHS Covid Vaccination Programme for the North East and North Cumbria, reminded people how important vaccination is to helping everyone get back to social things they enjoy.

“We know how very effective the vaccines we have are being in preventing people becoming very ill and reducing transmission – so getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself, your friends and your family.”

“I know people will be disappointed at the news about the delay in getting things back to normal, but the best way to help us get back to normal is to get your vaccine.

Please be proactive, the time is now to make your booking.”

Councillor John-Paul Stephenson, cabinet member for Public Health and Culture said,

“It is incredibly important that everyone who is eligible gets their vaccine. It provides a high level or protection from the virus and will help our city recover from the pandemic.

“Our partnership approach to the vaccination programme has helped the city take great strides in vaccinating all our residents, this new, expanded community roll out will help bring the vaccine directly to our communities. It will eliminate barriers that may be preventing people having this vital jab.

“Our case rates show the virus has not gone away, getting both doses of a vaccine if eligible and following the basic principles of HANDS – FACE – SPACE – FRESH AIR are incredibly important.”

The following locations are offering the extra capacity for people living and working in Newcastle. The public are being encouraged to book their appointments as soon as they are able.

Newcastle Eagles Community Arena
The Centre for Life Vaccination Centre
Boots pharmacy, Newcastle City Centre
Superdrug pharmacy, Newcastle City Centre
Quayside Pharmacy
Wellfield Pharmacy at Northumbria University Coach Lane Campus
Ponteland Road Pharmacy
Shieldfield Pharmacy

More details about the Centre for Life Pop up vaccination service plus other further services are being planned and will be announced shortly.

Alongside the increased vaccination programme the regional local authorities – the ‘LA7’ - launched a vaccine hesitancy campaign on Monday 14 June.

The ‘Every Question Matters’ campaign has been coproduced by the Community Champions network, NHS, local authority and voluntary sector colleagues.

The campaign aims to debunk myths and concerns around the vaccination – ranging from it being unsafe for pregnant ladies to the vaccine containing hidden ingredients.

The campaign features case studies, videos and interviews with people from across the region who have already received their vaccination and will be featured across multiple channels, social and digital media, regional press and outdoor advertising locations.

The increase in vaccine availability coincides with the launch of the campaign.