60% of Darlington residents have had first dose of COVID vaccine

More than 60% of Darlington residents have had first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine

More than 60% of Darlington residents have already had their first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine, as the NHS extends invites to people aged 42 and over.

Today (Friday 30 April) The NHS invited people over the age of 40 to book their Covid-19 vaccine appointment, which means everyone over 40 or over 16 with a long-term health condition is now eligible for the jab.

As of this week (27 April), 57124 of Darlington's 93,026 residents aged 16 or over have received at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine – which equates to 61.4% of possible eligible residents.  

This places the town’s vaccination programme higher than the current average for England (54.5%).

20,488 of these residents have also had their second dose, meaning 35.8% are fully vaccinated, which is 6.9% above the current average for England.

Penny Spring, Director of Public Health at Darlington Borough Council, said: “It is fantastic news that more than 60% of Darlington residents who will be offered the jab have had their first dose.

“The town’s vaccination programme has very much been a borough-wide effort, with volunteers from all of our communities coming together to support the NHS.

“Everyone who has accepted the offer of the vaccine has taken an essential step towards getting back to a more normal way of life – which means spending more time with families, friends and loved ones.

“Please take up the offer of the vaccine when you are eligible and return for your second dose when you are contacted. It is essential to have both doses to protect yourself and our communities as best as we possibly can.”

Darlington residents who are 40 or will turn 40 before 1 July 2021 can now book a Covid-19 vaccine via the national booking system by visiting https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/ or by phoning 119.