NHS urges Preston and Lancashire teenagers to ‘grab a jab’ over half term

Nurse and Senior Responsible Officer Jane Scattergood

The NHS has sent letters to parents of 12 to 15-year-olds to remind them of the thousands of Covid-19 jab appointments available over half term.

The NHS in Lancashire and South Cumbria has delivered over 64,000 vaccinations to 12-15-year-olds, including almost 47,000 first doses.

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

Nurse and Senior Responsible Officer 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.

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“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 online booking service and walk-in centres, local school-aged immunisation services have visited 95 per cent of schools this term to deliver first and second doses, with more than 10,000 in-school clinics in England since the end of September.

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

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

The NHS sends information to parents and guardians about the Covid-19 vaccination.

Parents and guardians should attend vaccination sites with their children and read patient information before arriving for their appointment.

Young people who have had Covid-19 must wait 12 weeks until being vaccinated, in line with JCVI guidance.

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