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The Melissa COVID vaccine bus will be making a return to South Tyneside next week.

The bus will be in Morrison's car park in Jarrow next Thursday (8 December) between 10am and 4pm and outside the Ship and Royal on King Street in South Shields on Friday (9 December) between 10am and 4pm. On both days eligible people can pop by and get  their COVID Autumn booster jab.  

People can have their Autumn booster if it is at least three months since their last dose.

To find out who is eligible for the COVID vaccine visit

Councillor Anne Hetherington, Lead Member for Adults, Health and Independence, said: "COVID is still with us so it is important to get as much protection as possible.

"With the Melissa bus coming into our communities, it couldn't be easier. If you're eligible just hop aboard and grab a jab."

The return of the Melissa Bus has been organised by the Council, in conjunction with the NHS, in line with its ambition of keeping people healthy and well throughout their lives.

A walk-in clinic at the Edinburgh Road pharmacy in Jarrow is offering both the COVID booster and flu jabs from Monday 5 December to Friday 9 December 9am-5:30pm for those aged 12 and over. No appointment is needed unless for a first or second dose of the COVID vaccine or for a child. People are advised to call the pharmacy on 0191 489 8053 if an appointment is needed.

A walk-in service is also available at Cleadon Village pharmacy from Monday 5 December to Friday 9 December 9am-5:30pm for those aged 12 and over. The clinic is offering both the COVID booster and flu jabs between 9am and 5.30pm (closed for lunch between 1pm and 2pm).. No appointment is needed unless for a first or second dose of the COVID vaccine or for a child. People are advised to call the pharmacy on 0191 554 3297  if an appointment is needed.

Next Friday, 9 December, eligible people can get the flu jab at Perth Green Community Association from 2pm-3.30pm.

On Thursday 15 December 10am-1pm the South Tyneside Asylum Seekers and Refugees Church Help (STARCH) will be at the Living Waters Church, St Jude's Terrace in South Shields to deliver flu vaccinations to asylum seekers, refugees and the public who are eligible.

Local GP Dr Jim Gordon said: "One of the best ways to protect yourself is to keep up to date with your vaccines. The autumn booster and the flu jab are both a great way to top up your immunity this winter. If you're eligible, take the time to drop by to one of the South Tyneside vaccine services and get your autumn booster and or flu jab."

To find out who is eligible for the flu vaccine visit

To find out more about walk-in services available across South Tyneside for COVID and flu vaccines,  visit  

People can find out more information about self-care and how they can look after their health by visiting