The CCG is pleased to confirm that the COVID Vaccination Programme is underway in North Tyneside.
We have 4 Primary Care Networks (North West, Wallsend, North Shields and Whitley Bay), which are groups of GP practices and associated staff. They are working very hard to deliver vaccines at Local Vaccination Services in Longbenton, Wallsend and North Shields, and we are delighted with the amazing things they have achieved so far in a very short time, at what is already a very busy time of year with the challenges of winter and COVID-19. It is testament to the hard work and can do attitude of everyone involved that as at 23 December we have already vaccinated over 4000 people. The feedback from people has been outstanding; patients have been reassured by the safety measures we have in place and realise how important having the vaccine is, when you are invited to get it.
The first people being vaccinated are all those 80 years of age and over, frontline health and social care workers, residents in a care home for older adults and their carers.
We are currently expecting that the majority of over 80s and care home residents and staff (and many frontline health and social care workers) should have received at least their first dose by the end of January.
You will be contacted by the NHS (most likely by text message or phone call, rather than by letter) when we are able to give you a booked appointment for your vaccination. You do not need to contact your practice, TyneHealth or the CCG if you have not yet been contacted – please be assured that you have not been missed out and will be contacted soon.
We are in the early days of the biggest vaccination programme the NHS has ever seen, and we are rolling out the vaccine as quickly as possible. There are major logistical challenges which we are managing and as you will be aware this is a fast-changing situation so plans may change.