Â鶹ÊÓƵ

A South Tyneside couple are calling on eligible people to have the free flu jab to protect themselves and other people.

People aged 65 and over, pregnant women, children aged between two and nine and those with an underlying health condition as well as carers and those living in a care home are advised to have the vaccine.

Pensioners Harry and Pat Gandy of Makendon Street in Hebburn know only too well the importance of the vaccine. Both caught flu last year which turned into pneumonia and spent around a week in hospital.

"We were very, very ill, it was really touch and go," said 78-year-old Harry.

"It was very tough for both of us. If we had not had the vaccine I don't think we would be here today. Having the vaccine helped our bodies fight the disease."

Getting vaccinated is the best way to stop the spread of flu and prevent deaths. It can also ease pressures on GP services and hospitals.

Councillor Ruth Berkley, Lead Member for Independence and Wellbeing, said: "We want all our residents to stay healthy and well throughout their lives so it's incredibly important that those who are eligible for the free flu jab take it up.

"While it won't stop you getting flu, it will boost your body's defences and help fight the disease.

"I would encourage everyone who is entitled to it to get the jab so that they can be as prepared as possible for the winter ahead."

In addition to GPs and pharmacies, a number of outreach clinics are being held where eligible people can get the flu jab.

This Wednesday (11th October) a clinic is being held between 10-12pm at Your Voice Counts, Grange Rd Baptist Church, Jarrow and between 1pm and 3pm at Hearing and Vision, Blissability, New Green Street, South Shields.

On Thursday (12th October) a clinic will be held between 1pm and 3pm at STARCH (South Tyneside Asylum Seekers and Refugees Church Help) at Living Waters Church in South Shields.

On Monday 16th October between 11am and 1pm an outreach clinic will be held at Hospitality and Hope, Tyne Dock Food Bank, Hudson Street in South Shields and next Tuesday (17th October) 10-12pm Hospitality and Hope, Hamden Street Food Bank, South Shields.

A clinic will also be held on Wednesday 18th October at Hospitality and Hope, 6-7 Horsley Hill Square in South Shields between 10am and 12pm. WHIST (Women's Health in South Tyneside) is hosting a clinic on Wednesday 25 October between 11am and 1pm at Salus House, 33 Mile Rd in South Shields. This clinic is for women only.

The Melissa Bus will also be making a return journey to the borough over the next few months to offer Covid boosters to eligible people.   It will be in King Street in South Shields between 10am-4pm on 27 October, 16 November and 13 December. It will be in Morrisons Car Park in Jarrow from 10am-4pm on 30 October, 17 November and 14 December.