Queues around the block at Grainger Market as Geordies try to get booster jabs

Queues stretched right around Grainger Market on Monday as people tried to get their Covid-19 booster jab.

Last night the Prime Minister launched a "national mission" in the fight against the Omicron variant.

Boris Johnson's words, combined with Health Secretary Sajid Javid’s warnings that "two doses are not enough", has prompted the public to seek out the extra jabs.

The NHS has asked the public to book their third vaccination via their online system, but with the website crashing under demand, some are taking it upon themselves to find somewhere with the vaccine.

A pop-up clinic in Newcastle's Grainger Market opened on Monday November 22 with plans to open every Monday from 10 am to 5 pm, as well as on Saturdays for certain groups.

The walk-in centre is also offering first and second doses of the Covid-19 vaccine.

The clinic doesn't require appointments and, as such, was targeted by many wanting their booster jab today.

One person in the queue wrote on Twitter: "Started my Christmas shopping day with a booster jab at Grainger Market - anyone queuing for Santa will have gotten more than they bargained for!

"Thank you #NHS & the brilliant & good humoured volunteers and staff."

Today the NHS has also issued a statement asking the public to be patient and have faith in the online booking system.

The system is currently open to all people over the age of 30 and will open to all people over the age of 18 come Wednesday, December 15.

The NHS has said that people should keep checking the site, even if unlucky at first, as more appointments are constantly being added.

Professor Neil Watson, who is leading the COVID-19 Vaccination programme for the North East and North Cumbria said: “It will take time to offer the vaccine to everyone who becomes eligible and we will be working as hard as we can with the resources we have to vaccinate as many people as quickly as we can.

“We ask that people are patient if they can’t get an appointment as quickly as they would like to keep checking back on the National Booking System.

"Also please show the teams and the volunteers supporting them kindness as we work to ensure the best protection possible for our community.”