POLITICIANS and health leaders across the North East have called on people to get their Covid-19 booster jabs after the latest data suggests that some parts of the region have below 15 per cent of residents vaccinated against the virus.

In the latest round of government statistics, released today (December 30), certain locations across the North East are “setting a dangerous precedent,” according to local NHS Trusts and MPs by not having the first, second or third doses of the vaccine.

Within the figures, Newcastle Central is the lowest when it comes to the take-up of booster vaccines with 13.3 per cent, while Middlesbrough Central (16.1%) and Durham City (18.6%) are just behind.

The take-up of booster jabs in each North East area:

In contrast, other parts of the North East have more than 70 per cent of residents vaccinated with all three doses, according to the government’s Coronavirus data.

Upper Teesdale (74.1%) in County Durham, Longhoughton & Alnmouth (70.1%) in Northumberland and Rothbury & Longframlington (70.3%) all have some of the best vaccination levels.

Today’s update on the booster roll-out comes after Omicron figures continue to rise across England. During the last seven days, County Durham has reported 432 cases of Covid-19, with neighbouring areas Northumberland (464) and Stockton-on-Tees (426) having similar rates of infections.

Here's the Covid-19 figures for the last seven days:

Following the latest announcement from the government about booster and Omicron figures, political figures from across County Durham and the wider North East have urged people to “do all they can” to protect themselves and their family from the virus.

MP for North West Durham, Richard Holden, has called for people to “remain cautious” and get their booster vaccines, but has admitted to not knowing the extent of how the Omicron variant is impacting the population.

He said: “If you haven’t had your first or second, book it now to help save your health and ensure that if you do get covid there is far less chance of you needing NHS care.

Read more: Covid booster jab side effects for each vaccine approved in UK

"Having the third jab (the booster) helps keep you more protected, especially as we do not yet know the full impact of the Omicron variant.

“If Omicron is as bad as some suggest, then it‘s sensible that we've got these measures in place. If it’s not, then we can wind them up in the new year when we have the data. However, what I want to avoid at all costs is another lockdown like we’re seeing across European countries if we can avoid it.”

Labour MPs from County Durham, including Mary Kelly Foy, Grahame Morris and Kevan Jones have also spoken in support of the vaccination roll-out in their constituencies.

The Northern Echo: Prime Minister Boris Johnson has called people to celebrate New Year's Eve in a sensible manner.Prime Minister Boris Johnson has called people to celebrate New Year's Eve in a sensible manner.

From a national viewpoint, cases continue to rise to a daily high yesterday (December 29) of 183,000 and a seven-day average of 914,723.  

This equates to 57 daily deaths, 516 deaths over the last seven days and 6,878 hospitalisations since December 23.

Moving into the new year, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has warned people enjoying festivities to do so in a “cautious manner”.

Appearing in Milton Keynes yesterday (December 29), Mr Johnson told reporters: “I think everybody should enjoy New Year but in a cautious and sensible way.

“Take a test, ventilation, think about others – but, above all, get a booster.”

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