Publish date: 22 December 2019

Vaccines start at North Tyneside hospital


A photograph of a nurse standing next to a table that i set up for a vaccination.

Staff at North Tyneside General Hospital have today started giving the Covid19 vaccination.

This initial wave is focusing on people aged over 80 and is being offered to inpatients, outpatients and some care staff who meet the criteria to receive the vaccination.  Last week the first patients from Northumberland and North Tyneside started receiving the jab at GP surgeries and now the hospital has joined in the second wave.

Although this is only the first batch of vaccine it is excellent news for Northumbria patients and staff in the run up to Christmas.

Chief Executive Sir James Mackey said: “Covid19 has had a huge impact on all of us and I know that many of us are feeling tired, fatigued and sometimes a bit down as a result. So the delivery we received this morning is fantastic news and should be the start of the long process of getting life back to some sort of normality.

“From today we can start vaccinating patients and some staff against this virus and although we start with small numbers this is a very important moment in the fight against Covid19.

“Despite this brilliant news we are still facing huge challenges and it’s important that everyone continues to do all the things to help slow the spread of the virus in our communities. Washing your hands, keeping two meters apart and wearing a face mask are things that we all must do to keep numbers under control. The NHS is also facing some tough winter pressures so please do your bit by thinking pharmacy, GP and NHS 111 first.”

Wait to be contacted

The NHS will let you know when it’s your turn to have the vaccine. It’s important not to contact the NHS for a vaccination before then.