Arnison Centre Covid-19 vaccination centre opens

The North East’s third large vaccination centre opened its doors today at the Arnison Centre in Durham.
The Bishop of Durham, the Right Reverend Paul Butler, received his jab on the first day the Arnison Centre vaccine centre was open in DurhamThe Bishop of Durham, the Right Reverend Paul Butler, received his jab on the first day the Arnison Centre vaccine centre was open in Durham
The Bishop of Durham, the Right Reverend Paul Butler, received his jab on the first day the Arnison Centre vaccine centre was open in Durham

Hundreds of people received their coronavirus jabs at the region’s third large vaccination centre based at the Arnison Centre in Durham as the facility opened its doors on Monday, February 22.

The centre joins the two Large Vaccination Centres already in operation at Newcastle’s Centre for Life and the NHS Nightingale Hospital North East in Sunderland.

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It comes as the Covid-19 vaccine rollout has entered its next phase, with the over-60s and those over 16 with underlying health conditions being invited to get a dose of the jab.

Tony PeakeTony Peake
Tony Peake

The Bishop of Durham, the Right Reverend Paul Butler, was among those getting their Covid-19 jab at the centre as well.

After receiving his vaccine shot, he said: “It’s good to have it. I think everyone should be getting it when they can. It is giving hope to us all.

“Physically I feel completely fine. I’m used to getting vaccinations because I do quite a lot of overseas travel and it’s exactly the same as any other one. Some people don’t like needles, but there’s nothing to worry about.

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"What I think we’ve missed the most is social contact with family and friends. Obviously, we’re going to have to take it very slowly, step by step, but that’s what I look forward to the most – social contact. I think it’s what we all look forward to the most. But we’re going to have to be careful for a long time.”

The Bishop of Durham, the Right Reverend Paul Butler receives his AstraZeneca/Oxford University Covid-19/Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty ImagesThe Bishop of Durham, the Right Reverend Paul Butler receives his AstraZeneca/Oxford University Covid-19/Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images
The Bishop of Durham, the Right Reverend Paul Butler receives his AstraZeneca/Oxford University Covid-19/Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images

People visiting the centre said they were pleased to be given the vaccine and hopeful of more social contact in the coming months.

Pauline Bonnington from Spenymoor said she was very happy to get her vaccine. She said: “I’m really pleased about it. I retired in January and haven’t been able to go anywhere. I’m hoping to do a bit and I look forward to seeing my grandchildren. “

Tony Peake from Ouston was also on his way in to receive the jab. He said: “Gotta be done, doesn’t it? It’s a funny situation,because the only people that don’t want the jabs are possibly the ones that are being the ignorant people that won’t keep away from other people. The Government have been brilliant, they’ve done everything they can, but it’s down to the individual.”

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Jean Booth, from Trimdon, was also vaccinated today. She said: “I think it’s important to have it, for everybody, not just for yourself. I’m very pleased to have mine.

Linda Dobson receives a shot of the Covid-19 vaccine.Linda Dobson receives a shot of the Covid-19 vaccine.
Linda Dobson receives a shot of the Covid-19 vaccine.

"Everybody’s still got to be very, very careful. I hope everybody just stays safe.”

Linda Dobson said: “I’m happy I’ve had the vaccine. We all still have to be careful, keep our distance and wear our masks.

"I look forward to going out, having a drink and a dance, but I think it will be a while before we’re able to do that.”

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Members of the public are invited to attend Large Vaccination Centres by the National Booking Service run by NHS England.

People receive a letter and are invited to book either on-line or by calling 119 free of charge between 7am and 11pm – only people invited to book can do so.