Vaccination centres are up and running

NEWCASTLE Racecourse has been transformed into a Covid-19 vaccination centre as the jab rollout continues across the city.

The Gosforth Park venue has become Newcastle’s second Primary Care Network community site after opening on Tuesday.

And another vaccination centre is up and running at the Parks Leisure Centre in North Shields.

It came as the care home vaccination programme launched in Newcastle on Wednesday, meaning the jab is now getting to those who cannot make it to a vaccination hub.

The racecourse site will be vaccinating over 1,000 people a day against Covid-19 – similar numbers to the first primary care centre which opened at the Newcastle Eagles basketball centre before Christmas.

Gosforth GP Dr Sarah Rae said there may be the option of a third site as the Oxford vaccine arrives in the area, adding, “The plan is to be here for as long as it takes.”

On being part of the vaccine rollout Dr Rae said: “It’s a bit of a relief.

“You’re part of history, part of science, to be able to deliver it.

“I work at Brunton Park Health Centre and I’ve seen the impact the pandemic has had on so many people’s lives. I wish we could do it more quickly, but we’re doing what’s humanly possible.”

She added: “The response from patients has been brilliant. There’s been a lot of emotion, people are really grateful to have the vaccine. It’s been overwhelming for a lot of staff.”

Please do not contact the NHS to get an appointment until you hear from your GP. Information on the vaccine is available here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirusvaccination/coronavirus-vaccine