Calls for people of Hartlepool to join 'jab army' of volunteers to help coronavirus vaccination drive

The call comes call comes as the NHS begins rollout of the Oxford University/AstraZeneca vaccine, which can be distributed and administered quicker, easier and in more locations than other vaccines.

The Government wants to see 15million people immunised by March and local NHS teams will be setting up centres to administer thousands of jabs a week in sports halls, conference centres and stadiums.

More than 50,000 Steward Volunteers will be needed via the NHS Volunteer Responder Programme to guide people on site, ensure social ­distancing and help people who need additional support.

“The rollout of the Oxford University vaccine is a watershed moment in the fight against the coronavirus,” said Mr Houchen.

“Since the approval of the Pfizer/BioNTech jab nearly 1million people across the country have had the jab, including thousands of people most at risk in Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool and our amazing NHS workers.

“There is now light at the end of the tunnel, but getting the jab into the arms of everyone who needs it is going to be a national effort the likes we’ve not seen since the Second World War, and to achieve this we need the support of as many people as possible.

“The pandemic has been incredibly difficult for everyone, but local communities have pulled together like never before and it has been heartening to see the level of community spirit, creating light during one of our darkest periods. I urge anyone who can help to come forward and join the Jab Army to help the UK’s ­national vaccine effort.”

Volunteers for the Jabs Army first need to sign up as an NHS Volunteer Responder on-line at nhsvolunteerresponders.org.uk.

After registering volunteers will be asked to download the GoodSAM app on a smartphone which will match them to one of the volunteer roles available in their area.

You only need to commit to two six-hour shifts a month at a vaccination centre near you, and no prior experience or qualifications are required.

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