More options for children and young people aged 12 to 15 to get their COVID-19 vaccination
There are more options for children and young people aged 12-15 to get their COVID-19 vaccine in Norfolk and Waveney.
Previously, vaccinations for healthy 12 to 15 year olds had only been available in school through the local school age immunisation services (SAIS), but parents or guardians are now able to book their child for a vaccine if they haven’t already had one via the National Booking Service.
Letters are being sent to parents and guardians of children aged 12 to 15 as part of a national drive over the coming weeks inviting them to book the vaccine online or by calling 119 as the NHS COVID-19 vaccination programme continues at pace.
Parents or guardians are able to book their child in for a single dose of the vaccine through the National Booking Service (NBS) online booking service or they can ring 119.
If a child has already been invited through their school, they do not need to act on the invite they receive through the National Booking Service, unless parents wish to get their child vaccinated outside of school.
Melanie Craig, Chief Executive at NHS Norfolk and Waveney Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) said: “We continue to encourage everyone eligible for a vaccine to come forward as soon as possible. The vaccines are available to young people through a tried and tested school immunisation programme and parents or guardians can book a jab at local vaccination sites, making it easier and more convenient for everyone to secure this important protection ahead of the winter months.”
Nationally more than 80,000 young people aged 12 to 15 have booked their COVID-19 vaccination since online bookings opened just four days ago, as part of the NHS COVID-19 vaccination programme.
Parents and guardians are asked to attend vaccination sites with their children if they want them to get vaccinated outside of school hours and consent will be sought on the day. Parents and young people are being asked to read the patient information in advance of arriving for their appointment, which can also be accessed online.
For more information about the vaccination programme and for information about vaccines for children and young people visit https://www.norfolkandwaveneyccg.nhs.uk/covid/children-and-young-people-12-17-years-covid-19-vaccination