A HEALTH chief has confirmed that a fourth Covid vaccine is expected to be offered this year.

Karen Hawkins, from the Tees Valley CCG, said that a further dose could be offered as soon as spring to certain groups.

Speaking at Middlesbrough’s health scrutiny panel, she also said that health bosses are working together across the region to put plans in place for a quick rollout in case there is another Covid spike.

Read more: Covid: Patients in hospital falling in County Durham and Darlington

Ms Hawkins said: “There has been an announcement around three elements of the vaccination programme as we move forward.

“So there will be continued access to the Covid-19 vaccination to all children over 5 up to 11 years and a vaccination offer of a spring dose around six months after the last vaccine dose for those that are over 75 and any residents in care homes and any immunosuppressed children.

“So there is an expectation of a fourth dose in the spring and there will also be the continuation of the vaccination offer to those that have recently become eligible and that continued engagement to improve the confidence and continue to promote the vaccination programme.”

For those not covered by the spring dose, a wider rollout of the fourth Covid jab is anticipated for later in the year.

Ms Hawkins added: “There is expected to be delivery of an autumn Covid vaccination dose but those details are yet to be announced.

“We are also been asked to plan, and put contingency plans in place, to rapidly increase capacity should there be an announcement like there was previously, through the last Covid surge.

“So we have been asked to put plans in place with system partners so that we’ve got plans on the shelf to take off should we need to, for everybody over 12 years of age.”

Middlesbrough’s Covid rate is currently 202 per 100,000, down from a peak of around 4,000 at the start of January.

In the town, vaccination rates remain stubbornly low in Ayresome ward, where 48% have received the first dose, and in Central ward, where 55% have had the first jab.

In contrast, in Marton West ward almost 93% have received the first dose and in Trimdon ward, it’s 92%.

Read more: NHS campaign to increase uptake of Covid jab among young people

Around 32% of 18-29 year olds in Middlesbrough are currently unvaccinated which has prompted a campaign called A Change of Heart.

This is urging youngsters that it’s okay to change their minds about having the vaccine and they can still come forward if they haven’t been vaccinated.

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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