HEALTHCARE teams in Northumberland have administered more than half-a-million first and second doses of the Covid-19 vaccine.

It comes a year into the vaccination programme.

Richard Hay, head of planning and operations at NHS Northumberland CCG, has praised the resilience of staff and the public in the face of coronavirus.

"It's been incredible the uptake we've seen across the county", he said. "We've got the highest percentage uptake in England for upper tier local authority areas for first and second doses - in excess of 91 per cent of adults have got a first dose and on the booster programme so far, we're about 45 per cent for the uptake which is within the top ten local authority areas in England."

More than 88 per cent of eligible adults have received a second dose and uptake is over 60 per cent for children aged 12-15 which is also among the top ten for local authority areas in England.

He added: "When you break the numbers down it equates to around 1,400 vaccinations delivered per day, every day over the last 12 months – that’s incredible. It's been a monumental effort, we're absolutely indebted to the volunteers we've had."

The Government has set a target for everyone over 18 to have been offered a booster by the end of January.

"The pressure on health care services always ramps up in the winter, we're expecting that again", Richard said. "We're prepared for a bumpy winter in terms of demand, but we're confident that if the vaccine stands up, we can absolutely meet the demands of patients. We would just ask everybody to continue to be patient and be kind. A little thank you goes a really long way."

At the time of writing (Wednesday), the UK had reported 51,342 new coronavirus cases and 161 deaths. Plan B restrictions are said to be imminent in response to the Omicron variant.

Richard added: Any new variant or mutation of the virus is always a bit of a concern but the best thing we can all do in the meantime is make sure we come forward and get that booster dose when its offered to us.

"We'd absolutely reinforce that 'Hands, Face, Space' message and remind people to keep doing it. They're relatively small changes to our daily lives but can have a huge impact."

The CCG is trying to allay concerns from those who have questions surrounding the vaccine and said main worries stemmed from confidence, complacency and convenience. It is also encouraging pregnant woman to take up the vaccine, which is both safe and effective, amid rising hospitalisations from unvaccinated pregnant woman.

Vaccine sites in West Northumberland:

All sites below, except the sites at Ponteland Medical Group and Haydon Bridge Health Centre who operate a local booking system, are available via the National Booking Service.

Community pharmacies

Bellingham Masonic Hall (Parkside Pharmacy)

Brewerylane Pharmacy, Ponteland

Haydon Bridge Pharmacy

Wylam Pharmacy

GP-led vaccination services

Hexham Mart (West Northumberland Primary Care Network)

Ponteland Medical Group (Northumbria Primary Care)

Haydon Bridge Health Centre (Northumbria Primary Care)

Vaccination centres

Centre for Life, Newcastle

An in and out of school offer is available to children and a roving vaccine unit has been called upon in the county. Free transport can be arranged for those unable to access appointments.