LIFE-saving jabs and more are up for grabs during a week-long health and wellbeing drive in key Middlesbrough communities.

The Covid-19 vaccine - both AstraZeneca and Pfizer - is just one of a range of services and support lined up to help local people live healthier lives. 

The event - in the town's Newport, North Ormesby, and Central wards - aims to raise awareness of health and well-being services on offer, and community organisations there to lend support.
The week of events - supported by Locality Working Middlesbrough, Stronger Communities Middlesbrough and Thirteen - gets underway on Monday, with a focus firmly on offering as many people as possible the chance to have their first or second AstraZeneca or Pfizer jab.
The daily events take place from 11.30am to 2.30pm as follows:

  • Monday, July 26: North Ormesby marketplace (people will be directed to the health village for vaccinations)
  • Tuesday, July 27: Streets Ahead for Information, Parliament Road. Limited services but the vaccination clinic will be available.
  • Wednesday, July 28: Newport Community Hub.
  • Thursday, July 29: Central Masjid on Southfield Road.
  • Friday, July 30: Visitor Centre at Albert Park.

Services attending include the Stronger Communities Middlesbrough team, recovery connection, homelessness and tenancy support services, Alzheimer's UK, Middlesbrough Environment City, Cleveland Fire Brigade, Middlesbrough Community Learning, Middlesbrough Libraries, the Live Well Centre, Andy's Man Club, Selective Landlord Licensing, Routes to Work, drugs and alcohol services, stop smoking services, and more.
Councillor Mieka Smiles, Middlesbrough Deputy Mayor and Executive member for Culture & Communities, said: "Infection rates across the Teesside area remain at very high levels and vaccine uptake in Middlesbrough is still lower than what we would like to see.
"We want to offer everybody over the age of 18 the opportunity to have their jab in a convenient location.
"At the same time, we are also strongly aware of the fact that the pandemic has had an impact on people's overall physical and mental health, and we want to ensure people are aware of the services that are out there to support them."

Jennifer Wilson, from the Central Middlesbrough Primary Care Network, said: "AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines will be available for anyone 18 years and over.

"Anyone over the age of 40 who hasn't had their first dose will be provided with AstraZeneca and anyone under the age of 40 will be offered Pfizer.

"We can also give second doses of either vaccine to anyone who has had their first dose at least eight weeks ago - the vaccine given will be the same as the patient's first dose."