This autumn all young people aged 12 to 15 years are being offered the first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.
The UK’s Chief Medical Officers all agree that while COVID-19 is typically mild or asymptomatic in most young people, it can be very unpleasant for some and one dose of the vaccine will provide good protection against severe illness and hospitalisation. Vaccinating 12 to 15 year olds should also help to reduce the need for young people to have time off school and reduce the risk of spread of COVID-19 within schools. The COVID-19 secondary schools vaccine programme should therefore provide protection to young people and reduce the disruption to face to face education.
Work is now underway to obtain consent from parents in order to start administering the vaccine. This process will be facilitated through the School Nursing Service who provide other school aged vaccinations so parents will not have to worry about taking their children to a clinic or booking an appointment for them. This vaccination programme should be completed by 15 November.
In Oldham, we have seen ongoing high rates of COVID-19 and our priority is to keep our young people safe. The COVID-19 vaccine will be the best way to protect them from the negative effects of the virus whilst also helping to reduce it spreading to other people.
We understand that parents might have concerns around getting their child vaccinated which is completely normal. You can read more about why this programme is going ahead here:
Why you should have your child vaccinated – Gov website
If you are feeling overwhelmed or distressed by the decision or COVID-19, support is available.
16 and 17 year olds can now use the national booking system to get a COVID-19 vaccine.
It’s now easier than ever for 16 and 17 year olds to get their COVID-19 vaccine as they can now use the national booking system to get an appointment.
The national booking system makes it quick and simple to get a jab via this NHS web page
Book or manage a COVID-19 vaccine – NHS website
The rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine to 16-17 year olds has been a real success so far. With the national booking system now in place for this age group it’s even easier for them to get protected.
COVID-19 booster jabs are now available
COVID-19 booster vaccine doses are now available to help improve the protection you have from your first 2 doses of the vaccine.
Who can get a COVID-19 booster jab?
Booster vaccines are available on the NHS for people most at risk from COVID-19 who have already had 2 doses of a vaccine and some of those who work in care or medical settings like social workers.
Those eligible:
- people aged 50 and over
- people who live and work in care homes
- frontline health and social care workers
- people aged 16 and over with a health condition that puts them at high risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19
- carers aged 16 and over
- people aged 16 and over who live with someone who is more likely to get infections (such as someone who has HIV, has had a transplant or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis)
- Social care workers
People who are pregnant and in 1 of the eligible groups can also get a booster dose.
How and when to get your COVID-19 booster vaccine
You'll be offered a booster dose at least 6 months after you had your second dose. The NHS will let you know when it's your turn to have a booster dose. It's important not to contact the NHS for one before then. Most people will be invited to book an appointment at a larger vaccination centre, pharmacy, or local NHS service such as a GP surgery. Frontline health and social care workers will be invited to book an appointment through their employer.
Book online if you've been contacted
You can book your COVID-19 booster vaccine dose online if you have been contacted by the NHS You should not try and book before being contacted. Yet to have your first or second vaccine? Get protected from the virus now by booking yourself in or visiting a walk-in site near you:
Get a COVID-19 vaccine now – Oldham website