FIVE pop-up vaccine clinics are being held in Darlington this weekend with the aim of getting as many 16 and 17-year-olds jabbed as possible.

The clinics are being located at venues to make it easy for people attending either concerts at Darlington Arena or festivals in the town centre.

This weekend is set to busy in Darlington, with a four-day food and drink festival starting today, Mish Mash Music festival on Saturday and Sunday, and two concerts at Darlington Arena. 

READ MORE: Live music returning to Darlington Arena with Olly Murs and Tom Jones both performing this weekend

From Saturday  to Monday, walk-in clinics will be based in the town centre, near the Joseph Pease statue, from 10am until 2pm.

In addition to the town centre clinics, the council’s Covid vaccination bus will be at the Darlington Arena concerts on Saturday and Sunday, offering first and second doses of Pfizer to event attendees.

As of Wednesday, 84.7 per cent of eligible Darlington residents have had one dose of a Covid vaccine and 74.4 per cent of those have had both doses.

READ MORE: Darlington vaccine bus helping with 'final push' before winter

Penny Spring, the Director of Public Health for Darlington Borough Council, said: “It’s likely the busiest weekend of the year so far across Darlington, with thousands of visitors expected both in the town centre and at the Darlington Arena.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for the Council to support the NHS COVID-19 vaccination programme by offering daily pop-up clinics in the town centre, as well as our bus for those attending the concerts.

“No appointments are needed and anyone over the age of 16 can attend. As we move towards the start of the new term, it’s a particularly good opportunity for 16- and 17-year-olds to grab their jabs ahead of starting their new courses, apprenticeships or jobs in the Darlington area.”

READ MORE: Full line-up for Darlington's Mish Mash festival

All five pop-up clinics will be provided by the NHS team who manage the Darlington Arena Large Vaccination Centre.

Professor Neil Watson, Chief Operating Officer for the NHS Covid Vaccination Programme for the North East and North Cumbria, reminded people how important vaccination is to helping everyone get back to the things they enjoy.

"Everyone over 16 is now eligible for a Covid vaccination, and we are ensuring there are opportunities for everyone to get their vital jab as quickly as possible so they can enjoy social activities safely and protect themselves and their families.

“These pop-ups in Darlington will make it easy for people to get a vaccination when they are out enjoying the weekend activities.”

First and second doses of the Pfizer vaccine will be available at all the clinics for anyone over the age of 16.

Attendees are recommended to get their vaccinations ahead of consuming alcohol as the NHS team will not be able to offer jabs to those who attend the clinics already intoxicated.

No appointments are needed, but it must have been at least eight weeks since your first dose to get your second at any of the clinics.

The arena is also offering daily walk-in clinics from 10am until 6pm but will be closed to the public over the weekend for the concerts.

Additional walk-in clinics and pop-ups in Darlington will be advertised on the Council’s social media channels.

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