THE team behind Darlington's vaccination programme have spoken out about their disappointment after 130 people failed to show up for appointments over the bank holiday.

Yesterday, Darlington Primary Care Network (PCN) issued a frustrated statement on social media following the high number of no-shows over the weekend.

The PCN had to put on an extra last-minute clinic on Monday to ensure no vaccines were wasted, meaning staff had to spend their bank holiday phoning around to make sure slots were filled. 

This morning, clinical director Dr Amanda Riley, who is also chief executive of Primary Healthcare Darlington, said: "To say the team were disappointed by the amount of no shows over the Bank Holiday weekend would be an understatement.

“Everyone should make every effort to attend vaccination appointments – but if circumstances change and you can no longer make it, please let us know as soon as possible.

“The clinics are planned very precisely, as we only have three days to use the Pfizer vaccine once it is delivered to us.

"The high number of non-attenders resulted in the team having to run an extra session on Bank Holiday Monday, which meant phoning people in a rush to arrange appointments and giving up their precious day off.

"Through the amazing efforts of our team, no vaccine has been wasted.

“We understand that it can be frustrating not to get a choice of appointment for your second dose, but we are very limited on the appointments we can offer by our vaccine supply, which we get short notice of.

"We are trying our very best to give everyone as much notice as possible.

“Please be considerate of how your actions impact our communities, as well as your own health by delaying your second dose, which is essential to provide the full protection against Covid-19.”

Nearly a quarter of people aged 45 and over in Darlington have received two doses of a Covid-19 vaccine, figures reveal.

The figures also show 57,125 people in Darlington have received at least one jab – 66 per cent of those aged 16 and over.