Health bosses in the North East have launched a new campaign to reassure young people that it's fine to have "a change of heart" on the Covid vaccine - as the offer remains available to all.
With nearly a quarter of those between aged 18 and 29 in our area unvaccinated, a series of new pop-up clinics have been set up to target the age group and help the fight against Covid-19.
One such clinic is running on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9am and 7pm in the old Nexus Travel Shop in Haymarket metro station.
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Speaking at the campaign launch, Sunderland City Council's Director of Public Health Gerry Taylor explained the initiative.
"This is a campaign across the North East and North Cumbria to encourage young people to take up their vaccines," he said. "Whether it's their first, second or booster vaccination it's never too late.
"It's really important that young people have their vaccinations to protect themselves and their friends and families - and also to enable them to do all the things they will want to do such as travelling."
The public health boss said she hoped making it easy and convenient for young people to get their jab would boost uptake.
"A lot of it is making sure we have the right access for everybody," she said. "Having opportunities like this in city centres where young people go and can drop in - for example when they're going to work, if they're students going to lectures or just going shopping. It makes it convenient for them.
"There are also opportunity to find out more about the vaccinations if you have questions."
Gerry added that it was vital not to get complacent about Covid-19. She said: "At the moment it's really important to continue to think about the vaccinations as a step which is one of the most important things we can do to protect ourselves and others. Covid is going to be with us for some time and we still need to take precautions."
Among the vaccination team at Haymarket were Brandon Huntsman and Maddie Bransfield.
Brandon, 22, has been jabbing people since February last year. "I'd just finished uni in lockdown and wanted to get some healthcare experience. It's been really good. The reason we are here is to support people. It's just important to get as many people vaccinated as possible."
Brandon and nurse Maddie, 24, said they were keen to reassure people who might be nervous about the jab.
"People are worried it's going to hurt. They're worried about side effects and also about the needle," Brandon said.
Maddie continued: "We can spend as long as they need talking to them and reassuring them. We don't want people to feel under pressure at all.
"People can get themselves quite worked up about it. But it's always the anticipation that's the worst bit."
Professor Neil Watson heads up the vaccination drive across the region. He added: "Many people - of all ages - have legitimate worries about being vaccinated and that is normal.
"Whether it’s concerns about the effects of the vaccine on their body, worries about what they’ve read on social media, 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."
Lynne Dickinson, station delivery manager at Haymarket said: "Haymarket Metro station is a brilliant location for a pop-up vaccine clinic, and we’re delighted to play our part in encouraging people to get the jab.
"Many young people use our system to get about the region and the pop up makes it easy and convenient for them to hop off and walk-in for a vaccination at a time that’s convenient for them."
