YOUNG healthcare workers from across the region are speaking up to encourage people under the age of 30 to get their Covid vaccines.
About a quarter of people aged between 18 and 29 are still unvaccinated against the disease, figures have shown.
The NHS is urging the thousands of young people to rethink their decision and consider getting the vaccination.
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In Darlington, 23 per cent of people between the ages of 18 and 29 are unvaccinated, while in County Durham that figure stands at 25 per cent and in Stockton it is 26 per cent.
Across the wider North East, 23 per cent of people in the age-range - or 104,000 people - are not vaccinated at all.
A further 27 per cent are eligible for their booster jab but yet to have it.
It comes as the North East was rocked by the tragic death of a 24-year-old mother-of-three who died in hospital after contracting Covid, prompting her family to urge others to get the vaccine.
Abby Gibbs of Brandon, near Durham, said it had been the "worst mistake of her life" not to have the Covid vaccine just days before her death following an almost three-week battle in intensive care.
At the time, heartbroken family members including her mother, Lynne Gibbs and brother Lewis Gibbs, urged everyone - especially younger people - to go and get their jab.
Speaking to The Northern Echo at the time, Mr Gibbs said: “We just hope this will help raise awareness to bring people forward.
“In Brandon when Abby died, the amount of people, you couldn’t get a walk-in appointment for a jab, they had none left.
Ms Gibbs added: “I wouldn’t wish this on anybody, to have to sit children down and tell them that their mum has gone to heaven.
“If Abby had been vaccinated she would still be here today."
While restrictions have been eased, Covid is still circulating and puts unvaccinated people at risk.
The campaign is aiming to reassure people that it is OK to have a change of heart about getting the vaccine and has been backed by public health officials across the region.
As the campaign was launched, Darlington nurse Holly aged 28, pharmacy technician Lauren, 28, and pharmacist Nadia, 23, from County Durham, are all backing the campaign.
Holly said: “There are many reasons why young people my age may not yet have had the vaccine. It’s totally natural and we’re not here to judge - it’s about making an informed decision that’s right for you.
"We have lots of very nervous young people come to the vaccination hub and we’re here to answer their questions.
“Very few seem to regret the decision once it’s been taken. I’d encourage people to talk to others they know and trust, chat to healthcare professionals, and when the time is right, we’re here to help.”
Neil Watson, chief operating officer for the Covid-19 vaccination programme in the North East and North Cumbria, said: “Many people - of all ages - have legitimate worries about being vaccinated and that is normal.
"Whether it’s concerns about what they’ve read on social media, how the vaccine will make them feel or realising many countries won’t allow you to travel there without being vaccinated, there are many and varied reasons.
“The decision to get vaccinated is personal, but we want people to know that it's ok to have a change of heart, to change their mind. My advice is to read the information on the NHS website, to talk to your GP or pharmacist, to friends, family and colleagues you trust and when you’re ready, we’re here for you.”
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People should check the NHS website or their local council website for more information on dates and times for vaccination clinics in their area.
Dr Stephen Singleton from the Integrated Covid Hub North East said: “A full course of vaccination – that’s three jabs - offers very good protection from Covid-19, including the Omicron variant which has led to record levels of cases.
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