FIRST and second Covid-19 vaccinations will be available across Worcestershire this half-term for all 12 to 15-year-olds.
Parents across the country will be receiving invites from the NHS encouraging them to get their 12 to 15 year old vaccinated as Covid-19 is still circulating within communities, especially amongst younger people.
While most children infected usually have mild symptoms from Covid-19, some do become quite ill, and some go on to develop more serious prolonged symptoms. While doctors are still learning about these long-term effects, it is known that vaccination protects against the damage they can do.
Dr Ian Tait, GP and Clinical Chair of NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire CCG said: “Ensuring children and young people can get both doses of their Covid-19 vaccine is an important priority for the NHS. This half term offers the perfect opportunity to get your child protected, by booking an appointment online or using one of the walk-in sites available across our two counties.
“By getting vaccinated, children and young people can not only reduce their risk of long-term effects, but they can help reduce the risk of passing on the infection to their family or others that they come into contact with.
“Getting both vaccinations can also make it easier for children and young people to avoid putting their lives and their education on hold because of further disruption to schools, hobbies and social events due to Covid-19.”
Parents are able to book first or second Covid-19 vaccinations for their 12 to 15 year old online at www.nhs.uk/covidvaccination. A minimum of 12 weeks must have elapsed since their first dose before a second dose can be given.
Appointments are available during half term at the following sites:
Three Counties Showground, Malvern, WR13 6NW
St Peter’s Church, Eden Close, Worcester, WR5 3TZ
Heart of Worcestershire College (St Wulstan’s Building), Deansway, Worcester, WR1 2JF
Artrix, Slideslow Drive, Bromsgrove, B60 1GN
For a small proportion of 12 to 15-year-olds, the options are different. Those who are more at risk from the virus or who live with someone who has a severely weakened immune system can get their second dose eight weeks after their first, and a further ‘booster’ dose from three months (91 days) after their second. Those who have had a severely weakened immune system can get a third primary dose from eight weeks after their second dose, then receive a booster from three months (91 days) later.
If your child has tested positive for Covid-19 and is not at high risk from Covid-19, they need to wait 12 weeks before they can have a Covid-19 vaccine.
Anyone over the age of 16 who has yet to have their first, second or booster vaccination is also still able to book an appointment for their Covid-19 jab online at www.nhs.uk/covidvaccination.
