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Around 25,000 extra Covid jabs will be provided in local vaccine centres and pharmacies as South Tyneside's NHS ramps up its booster programme. But while the focus is on providing as many boosters as possible, it's not too late to get a first or second dose.

Local GP Dr John Lloyd is part of the team coordinating the vaccine in South Tyneside. Dr Lloyd said: "A year on from our first vaccine, we're still doing everything we can to give people as much protection as we possibly can. With pharmacies, three local vaccine centres and outreach to vulnerable patients, we're expecting to provide 25,000 extra jabs before the end of the year.

"Around two-thirds of eligible patients in South Tyneside have had the booster or a third dose already, and it's so important to get yours for the extra protection against the Omicron variant."

The Covid-19 booster jab is now being offered to everyone aged 18 and over when they become eligible, three months (91 days) after their second dose.

Councillor Anne Hetherington, Lead Member for Independence and Wellbeing, said: "With cases of the Omicron variant soaring across the country it is more important than ever to get the vital protection offered by the vaccine.

"Our partnership approach to rolling out the vaccine has undoubtedly saved thousands of lives but we are determined to carry on in an effort to give as many people as possible the protection they need. Please get your booster and do your bit for yourself, your community, social care and the NHS."

In most cases, people will get their boosters by booking through the  (NBS) online or by calling 119, or will receive a text from their GP. If you book an appointment via  and then receive another appointment via your GP, please remember to cancel your other booking.

If you have any questions about your vaccine, please contact the , call 119 or the local vaccine contact centre on 0191 283 1925.

Some drop-in vaccine clinics are also taking place, at St. John the Baptist Church, Nairn St, Jarrow NE32 4HX. These sessions - on Monday 20 December, 6pm - 9pm and Wednesday 22 December, 9.30am - 3pm - are offering first and second doses to over-16s, and boosters to patients who are eligible.

Further drop-in clinics are likely to be added over the next few days, and these will be advertised at . This site also features a handy booster date calculator to check whether it has been 91 days since your second dose.