VACCINE volunteers from the fire service are urging younger people in Darlington to take up the jab.

People over the age of 45 are now able to book their Covid-19 vaccine appointment, as well as anyone over the age of 16 with a long-term health condition.

After the announcement was made, appointments at the town’s Large Covid-19 Vaccination Centre were fully booked within an hour.

Glen Cochrane, operations manager at the Darlington Arena vaccine centre, said: “It’s encouraging to see appointments at our centre being booked so quickly.

“But as we move through the cohorts, there is some concern that the younger groups, especially those under 30, will be less likely to take-up the offer of the Covid-19 vaccine as they don’t feel that Covid is as big a threat to them."

“That’s why it’s hugely important for our sites to have volunteers of all ages, which shows that we’re all in this together and we all need to come forward for the jab when it’s offered.”

Firefighter Aidan Robson, who works for County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service and is a vaccine volunteer, said: “As someone in their late twenties who has had the vaccine, I’d encourage everyone to book an appointment as soon as they are eligible."

“Even if you’re healthy and don’t think Covid is a risk, you could still pass it on to someone more vulnerable to the virus, and you don’t want that on your conscience.

“It’s a privilege to volunteer at the Darlington Arena and to support the NHS in protecting our communities against Covid-19.”

Ian Donohue, who is also a firefighter and vaccine volunteer, added: “I’ve personally had both doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, and I would encourage people to make sure they return for their second jab to be fully protected.

“It’s a great group effort here at the vaccination centre, and I’m proud to do my bit in supporting the roll-out of a vaccine that saves lives.”

Penny Spring, director of public health at Darlington Borough Council, said: “Throughout the vaccination programme, it’s been truly wonderful to see how our communities have come together to support the NHS.

“With the continued support of volunteers from all backgrounds and of all ages, people will be able to see that the Covid-19 vaccination is for everyone, not just the most vulnerable.

“By taking up the offer of the vaccine, we can all play our part in getting us back to a more normal way of life.”

Darlington residents who are interested in volunteering at the Darlington Arena can contact NUTH.DarlingtonRecruitment@NHS.net for more information.