THE first coronavirus vaccines have been administered by Tyne Valley GP surgeries this week.

Among the first people in Tynedale to receive the vaccine at Hexham Primary Care Centre was Archie Tait, from Barrasford.

He received the jab from nurse Joanne Hall on Tuesday - his 88th birthday.

Dr John Green, the clinical director of the West Northumberland Primary Care Network of GPs, heaped praise on the PCN and how it has worked together to achieve the goal.

He said: “It’s work so well in the area, the process of coming together.

“We have identified two sites, one in the west which is at Hexham and one in Ponteland.

“Each practice has been given its allocated number of patients to call, and it’s been done fairly. Every practice in the area has had the opportunity to invite the most vulnerable patients.

“I would want to say it’s been done equitably throughout the whole of Tynedale.”

Dr Green also asked that patients do not contact their GP to arrange their own vaccine.

He continued: “We will call you and in turn people must wait for that call.

“As much as we want to be able to help, we can’t really be fielding calls about when it’s people’s turn. Sit tight, we will contact you.”

Northumberland currently remains under tier 3 restrictions, and pubs have been closed since the start of the second lockdown.

Residents are anxiously awaiting cases to fall so life can start to return to normal - but Dr Green feels the only way that will happen is with a vaccine.

He added: "This vaccine is a lifeline. I cant see any other way. I would encourage everyone to attend for their vaccination, because it’s a safe vaccination and it’s going to be the thing that turns the corner.

"I think this virus is something we're going to have to learn to live with, rather like we have done with flu. We've learnt that the virus can change every year and perhaps this is going to be the same."