Wirral's independent local news website
The NHS in Wirral is encouraging parents of 5 to 15-year-olds to take advantage of time off school to get their COVID-19 vaccine during the May half term.
As schools across the North West take their half-term breaks from next week, parents of children aged 5 and over can choose from community vaccination sites in the area.
Many vaccination services offer both bookable and walk-in slots and can vaccinate other family members too, making it easier than ever for families to get protected from Omicron.
Walk-in clinics will be offering jabs without appointments, whilst other sites will be available to book using the National Booking Service
Walk-in vaccination clinics taking place through half term, with no appointment needed, are:
Dr Paula Cowan, local GP and Chair of NHS Wirral Clinical Commissioning Group, has reminded families of the importance of getting the COVID-19 vaccine ahead of summer, saying that this half term offers the perfect opportunity to give families that dose of reassurance.
She said, “COVID-19 is still active in Wirral and the school half-term is a great opportunity for children aged 5-15 to get vaccinated. Any family members who are due a first, second or booster dose can get their vaccine too. It’s never been easier for families to protect themselves against the virus.
“The vaccine is safe and effective for children in this age group so, if your child has not yet been vaccinated, please find a walk-in site near you this half-term.”
Since the biggest and fastest vaccination rollout in NHS history expanded to children and young people, more than half of 12-15s across the North West have received at least one dose of the vaccine and more than 60% of those eligible had both doses, helping to reduce their risk of infection and the risk of passing the virus on to others.
Clinically at-risk 12 to 15-year-olds or those who live with someone who is immunosuppressed are also entitled to their booster three months after their two primary doses, with those who are severely immunosuppressed able to get their booster after a third primary dose.
In line with national guidance, patient information is sent out to parents and guardians with information on the COVID-19 vaccination.
Parents and guardians are asked to attend vaccination sites with their children. They are asked to read the patient information in advance of arriving for their appointment.
Young people who have had COVID must wait 12 weeks until they can be vaccinated, in line with JCVI guidance.
Parents can check local details of local walk-in sites at www.wirralccg.nhs.uk/CovidVaccineWalkIn or book an appointment online at www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination
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