A NORTHUMBERLAND County Councillor is calling upon the NHS to set up a vaccine hub in a Tynedale town.

Coun. Gordon Stewart would like to see a site set up in Prudhoe.

It comes after concerns residents will find it difficult and expensive to travel to receive a booster jab.

"Prudhoe is now a very large town, which services many smaller communities along the Tyne Valley, and it is right that such a service is provided locally", he said.

"We have many businesses who employ people from outside the town and they too could benefit from this to avoid them taking time off work.

"I have asked that the CCG consider this as a matter of urgency as the flu season and poor weather is very near."

Richard Hay, head of planning and operations for NHS Northumberland Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said: “The location of vaccine hubs, such as the one at Hexham, are decided by the Primary Care Network (PCN - groups of GP practices working together) based on a careful assessment of need, demand, making best use of vaccine supply and running a sustainable service for their communities.

"NHS staff have been working extremely hard across the county for months to ensure the Covid-19 vaccine roll-out is a success.

“Winter vaccinations are also available at community pharmacies.

"There are a wide range of local vaccination services, including a number of PCN-led hubs, community pharmacies and larger vaccination centres such as the Centre for Life available via the national booking service, which will now allow you to pre-book your Covid-19 booster appointment up to a month before you are eligible.

“In addition, the CCG has commissioned a transport service to ensure that anyone who needs support to get to where they need to be to have their vaccine doesn’t miss out.”