With more than 73,000 people across the North East and Yorkshire answering the call to get vaccinated on the two bank holidays after Christmas, the NHS is reminding people who are eligible there are still plenty of opportunities to get maximum protection against the Covid-19 Omicron variant.

Newcastle’s Grainger Market, Elland Road park-and-ride in Leeds, Nunnery Square park-and-ride at Sheffield, Lakeside Village in Doncaster, Jacob’s Well in Bradford, along with Ennerdale Leisure Centre in Hull are among the many Covid-19 vaccination sites open for people to get their Covid-19 vaccinations in the run-up to New Year and beyond.

Dr Yvette Oade, the NHS region’s clinical lead for the Covid-19 vaccination programme, urged anyone who has not yet had their first or second vaccinations to come forward.

She said: “Across the North East and Yorkshire region there are lots of opportunities to just walk in and grab a jab. To anyone who hasn’t yet been vaccinated, please come forward for your Covid-19 vaccination.”

A top-up, or booster dose of vaccine significantly improves your protection against the Omicron strain, preventing around 75 per cent of people getting any Covid symptoms, Dr Oade explained.

Latest figures show more than 17 million Covid-19 vaccine doses have been delivered across the North East and Yorkshire since the launch of the NHS vaccination programme just over 12 months ago, including 4.3 million booster jabs.

Walk-in appointments are available, but booking is best, so people should visit the National Booking Service to make an appointment for their Covid-19 vaccination jab, or call 119.

While the NHS is prioritising boosting the country’s immunity, services are still there for those who need them urgently. The public can help NHS staff be there for those patients who need them most by getting their Covid and flu jabs if they are eligible, and by using the free, 24/7 NHS 111 online or phone service for urgent health issues.