THE first Spring Covid boosters will be administered this week as the NHS Covid vaccination programme enters a new phase.

Eligible groups for Spring boosters include care home residents, people who are 75 and over and those who are immunosuppressed aged 12 and over.

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Labour MP for Stockton North, Alex Cunningham said he would encourage everyone eligible to have the booster jab when it is offered as Covid hasn't gone away.

Conservative MP for Darlington, Peter Gibson said it is important for everyone to come forward when contacted for the booster to get the protection they need.

Read more: This is who can get a FOURTH Covid jab as NHS website for bookings are now live

We took a look at how Covid vaccination rates across the North East were progressing, up to and including March 17.

Northumberland

First dose: 90.5 per cent

Second dose: 86.6 per cent

Booster (third dose): 72.3 per cent

North Yorkshire

First dose: 89.7 per cent

Second dose: 85.6 per cent

Booster (third dose): 72.7 per cent

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North Tyneside

First dose: 88.5 per cent

Second dose: 84.1 per cent

Booster (third dose): 67.4 per cent

County Durham

First dose: 86.9 per cent

Second dose: 82 per cent

Booster (third dose): 66.2 per cent

Redcar and Cleveland

First dose: 86.8 per cent

Second dose: 82.2 per cent

Booster (third dose): 65.1 per cent

Darlington

First dose: 85.7 per cent

Second dose: 80.9 per cent

Booster (third dose): 64.6 per cent

Stockton-on-Tees

First dose: 85.4 per cent

Second dose: 80.2 per cent

Booster (third dose): 63.5 per cent

Sunderland

First dose: 85.2 per cent

Second dose: 80.4 per cent

Booster (third dose): 62.7 per cent

Gateshead

First dose: 85.1 per cent

Second dose: 80.4 per cent

Booster (third dose): 62.5 per cent

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Hartlepool

First dose: 83.4 per cent

Second dose: 78.1 per cent

Booster (third dose): 59.4 per cent

Middlesbrough

First dose: 77.1 per cent

Second dose: 70.9 per cent

Booster (third dose): 52. 6 per cent

Newcastle Upon Tyne

First dose: 75.2 per cent

Second dose: 69.7 per cent

Booster (third dose): 52 per cent

Labour MP for Stockton North, Alex Cunningham said: “With infection rates on the rise it’s important to remember that Covid hasn’t gone away. I’d encourage everyone eligible to take up the booster jab when it is offered to them – and urge anyone who hasn’t done so yet to get vaccinated. Vaccination is the best tool to protect yourself and your loved ones from the virus. Whether it’s your first, second or third dose – please get vaccinated and please get boosted. By doing so we can keep people safe and keep the country open.”

Conservative MP for Darlington, Peter Gibson said: “The Spring booster campaign getting underway is an important step to continuing protection for those elderly and vulnerable people most at risk and I encourage everyone to come forward to ensure they get the protection they need.”

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