Mass Covid-19 vaccination centre welcomed to Darlington

The mass Covid-19 vaccination centre due to open in Darlington next week has been welcomed by the council.

Darlington’s second vaccination site will be known as the Darlington Arena Vaccination Centre and located on Neasham Road.

Heather Scott, Leader of the Council, said: “We are proud to welcome a mass Covid-19 vaccination centre to Darlington, which will be the town’s second vaccination site.

“Over 30,000 Darlington residents have already had their first jab, either in the town or by travelling to a mass vaccination centre, which is a fantastic achievement.

“Now it will be even easier for residents to get their vaccination locally. If you live in Darlington and receive a letter from the NHS inviting you to a national centre, you will now have the option to book your appointment at the Darlington Arena from next week.

“We are incredibly proud of the town’s vaccination programme and encourage all Darlington residents to accept the offer of a vaccination when they receive an invitation.”

Kevin Nicholson, Cabinet member for Health & Housing, said: “We are delighted that Darlington is the fourth location for a mass Covid-19 vaccination site in the region.

“The new mass vaccination centre will be fantastic news for our residents, who will no longer have far to travel if they chose to get the Covid-19 vaccine by booking an appointment through the national service.

“With the second vaccination site opening next week and our community testing scheme being extended until June, Darlington is leading the way in keeping us on track to a more normal way of life.”

The new mass vaccination centre in Darlington will be the fourth in the region, joining Newcastle’s Centre for Life, the NHS Nightingale Hospital North East, Sunderland and the Arnison Centre, Durham.

These large centres complement local GP led vaccination services and are the first three of other large centres that will open in other parts of the region in the coming weeks.

The Darlington Arena Vaccination Centre will be run by clinical staff, people who have been trained to become vaccinators, administrative staff and a range of volunteers all who make sure the service operates as smoothly and safely as possible. 

The roll-out of the vaccine will continue at Feethams House, in the town centre.

Appointments will be available at Darlington Arena from next week.