‘Join the Thousands’ campaign encourages Covid vaccine uptake
A new campaign has launched in Darlington to encourage residents to get both doses of Covid-19 vaccine to protect the town’s communities.
Inspired by the national NHS ‘Join the Millions’ campaign, ‘Join the Thousands’ aims to encourage Darlington residents who have yet to get their jabs to join the 68,300 residents who have had at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine.
Campaign lamppost banners will be displayed in residential areas for the first time ever and households will be sent an informative flyer on why it is important to get the vaccine to protect the town’s communities.
The initial locations for the banners include lampposts on High Northgate, Cockerton Green and Burnside Road, with more to be added.
Councillor Kevin Nicholson, Cabinet Member for Health & Housing, said: “We’re really proud of our community approach to Covid-19 in Darlington.
“Throughout the pandemic, the Council has supported its residents to keep Darlington on the right track, including by being the first area local authority in the UK to offer its own community testing scheme.
“Now, in addition to the ongoing testing scheme, we are supporting the NHS vaccine roll-out in Darlington by connecting with our communities and asking our residents to get their Covid vaccines.
“In addition to the new Firthmoor Community Centre vaccination site, this campaign aims to also encourage vaccine uptake in areas of the town where uptake has been low.
“The vaccine, in combination with following all national guidance and getting tested twice weekly, has been proven to be the most effective way to protect our communities and get back to a more normal way of life.”
Councillor Heather Scott, Leader of Darlington Borough Council, said: “I am proud of Darlington for their hard work in keeping our communities safe throughout the pandemic.
“We have all been brought together by doing our upmost to protect our most vulnerable residents and we must all continue to play our part by getting the Covid-19 vaccine.
“The new campaign will further support our communities and the NHS as a town-wide approach to encouraging vaccine uptake in Darlington.”
The campaign roll-out has aligned with the NHS opening appointments for all adults in England. From today (18 June), anyone over the age of 18 can book to have their first dose of a Covid vaccine.
In addition to those newly eligible to have their first dose, the campaign aims to encourage everyone to return for their second jab at their earliest opportunity.
Penny Spring, the Director of Public Health at Darlington Borough Council added: “It is essential that we each play our part to protect Darlington’s communities from becoming seriously ill from coronavirus.
“By having both doses of a Covid-19 vaccine, you, your family and your communities will benefit from the maximum protection offered by the vaccinations.
“Do not delay in booking your second dose appointment as soon as it is offered to you. By returning for your second dose, you can be confident that you are doing your best to help keep our communities safe.”
To book your Covid-19 vaccine, phone 119 or visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/.