Hartlepool vaccination clinic delivers Covid jab to over 1,200 patients in three days

Health professionals delivered the Pfizer jab to 1,260 patients aged over 80 from the Town Hall Theatre in Raby Road over three days.

Pharmacists, nurses, GPs, and town hall staff teamed up for the clinic as part of the town’s roll out programme.

Many patients got their second ‘booster’ dose of the vaccine while around 100 got it for the first time.

Nurse practitioner Elaine Awad, of West View Millennium Surgery, said: "It’s been a fantastic team effort put together.

"Everybody is so motivated. We just want to help everybody get this vaccine."

The event was run by the Hartlepool and Stockton Health (HASH) GP federation.

Patients received the jab at one of four stations before waiting for 15 minutes to check they did not have an allergic reaction.

Ivy Cox, 83, said after having hers: “I’ve had so many over the years because of travelling with my husband overseas this was a walk in the park.

"I’m going to continue to follow the rules but it will give me more confidence.”

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Neil Page, 93, of West Park, is looking forward to meeting up with his children and grandchild when the rules allow.

He said: "I think it’s essential to get the vaccine even though we still take care in keeping apart.

"I hope to get a few more years in.”

Robert Burton, 85, who also got his second dose, said: "I’m scared of needles as a rule but this was brilliant.

"I had no worries about getting it whatsoever. It’s the best thing since sliced bread.”

And Edward Daurge, 89, said: “It was fine, no trouble at all.

"I hope it’s going to work. I have all faith in it.”

Vicky Holt, director of nursing for HASH, said similar events would be held adding: "As soon as we get our hands on another supply we will do it again and again until we’ve reached the top four priority groups.”

GP surgeries are also giving the jab in their own premises and around 300 doses of the new Oxford vaccine will be given in Hartlepool care homes this week.

Clinicians are reminding patients to wait to be contacted by their GP for the vaccine.

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