NHS invites 12 to 15 year olds to grab a jab at half term

Published: 22 February 2022

While schools are off for half-term, the NHS is reminding 12 to 15 year olds to come forward for their COVID-19 vaccination, with plenty of appointments available for this age group during the holiday.

The most recent Office of National Statistics (ONS) data shows that rates of COVID-19 infections 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.

England’s top GP 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.

GP and deputy lead of the NHS vaccination programme, Dr Nikki Kanani, said: 

“While it is great news that more than 1.5 million 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 hundreds of walk-in sites across the country.

“My 13-year-old son has now had two vaccinations and it has definitely given us both that extra dose of reassurance”.

As well as being offered a vaccination in school, jabs can be booked through the national online booking service or young people can visit their nearest walk-in centre. Parents and guardians are asked to attend with their children and to read the patient information in advance of arriving.

Young people who have had COVID-19 must wait 12 weeks until they can be vaccinated.