NHS invites 12-15s to grab a jab at half term

The NHS is sending invites to parents of 12 to 15-year-olds reminding them to come forward for their jab during half term, with thousands of appointments available for this age group.

Since the biggest and fastest vaccination rollout in NHS history expanded to children and young people, the NHS in Lancashire and South Cumbria has delivered over 64,000 vaccinations to people aged 12-15, including almost 47,000 first doses.

Lancashire and South Cumbria’s Chief Nurse has reminded families of the importance of the vaccine ahead of summer, saying that this half term offers the perfect opportunity to give youngsters that dose of reassurance.

Nurse and Senior Responsible Officer for Lancashire and South Cumbria’s COVID-19 vaccination programme, Jane Scattergood, said: “While it is great news that more than 47,000 children aged 12 to 15 have had their first dose, it is estimated that more than two in five children in this age group are yet to come forward for their vaccine.

“This half term offers the perfect opportunity to get your child protected by booking an appointment online or using one of the many walk-in sites across the area.”

In addition to the out-of-school online booking service and walk-in centres, local school-aged immunisation services have visited or have plans to visit 95% of schools this term to deliver first and second doses, with more than 10,000 in-school clinics delivered in England since the end of September.

The most recent ONS data shows rates of COVID-19 infections among those in school years 7 to 11 remains high, with around one in 11 (8.7%) testing positive in the week to 5 February.

Clinically at-risk 12 to 15-year-olds or those who live with someone who is immunosuppressed are also entitled to their booster three months after their two primary doses, with those who are severely immunosuppressed able to get their booster after a third primary dose.

In line with national guidance, patient information is sent out to parents and guardians with information on the COVID-19 vaccination.

Parents and guardians are asked to attend vaccination sites with their children and read patient information in advance of arriving for their appointment.

Young people who have had COVID-19 must wait 12 weeks until they can be vaccinated, in line with JCVI guidance.