Reminder to grab a jab as vaccinations top 17m

People in Sunderland are being urged to ‘get jabbed for 2022’ – as the number of Covid vaccinations in the region topped 17million.

NHS figures show that more than 73,000 people across the North East and Yorkshire answered the call to get vaccinated on the two bank holidays after Christmas and experts are reminding people who are eligible to get get maximum protection against the Omicron variant.

Dr Yvette Oade, the NHS region’s clinical lead for the Covid-19 vaccination programme, urged anyone who has not yet had their first or second vaccinations to come forward.

She said: “Across the North East there are lots of opportunities to just walk in and grab a jab. To anyone who hasn’t yet been vaccinated, please come forward for your Covid-19 vaccination.”

A top-up, or booster, dose of vaccine significantly improves your protection against the Omicron strain, preventing around 75% of people getting any Covid symptoms, Dr Oade explained.

Latest figures show more than 17million Covid-19 vaccine doses have been delivered across the North East and Yorkshire since the launch of the NHS vaccination programme just over 12 months ago, including 4.3million booster jabs.

Walk-in appointments are available, but people are being urged to visit the National Booking Service to make an appointment for their Covid-19 vaccination jab, or call 119.

While the NHS is prioritising boosting the country’s immunity, NHS services are still under pressure and and people are being asked to use the free NHS 111 online or phone service for health issues.