PARENTS can book their teenagers in for Covid jabs by the end of TODAY – with slots available as soon as tomorrow.
The NHS has opened up online bookings for British youngsters to get on their way to being protected against the virus.
It comes as cases in schoolkids have hit their highest figures yet.
A total of 1,366.8 cases per 100,000 people aged 10 to 19 were logged in the seven days to 17 October – the highest weekly rate since October 2020, according to the UK Health Security Agency.
Millions of letters will be sent to parents and guardians of children aged 12 – 15 over the coming weeks inviting them to book the vaccine online.
They can also secure slots by calling 119 as the rollout races on, with everyone eligible urged to get their jabs.
Parents and guardians should go to the vaccine sites with their kids, and consent will be asked for on the day.
If a child has already been invited through their school, they do not need do anything else unless parents wish to get their child vaccinated outside of school.
Dr Nikki Kanani, GP and deputy lead for the NHS vaccine programme, said: “As we head in to October half term, the NHS Covid-19 vaccination programme is opening up vaccine centres to young people aged 12 to 15 as another way to get their vaccine – if they have already received their vaccine or been invited through their school then they do not need to do anything.
“The decision to get vaccinated has always been a private choice between a child and their parent or guardian – my 13-year-old son received his vaccine at school on the same day I had my booster dose in a local pharmacy.
“I would urge families to look at the information together and then book in to give children and their loved ones crucial protection ahead of winter.”
Health Secretary Sajid Javid said: ““This will support the vaccine rollout, ensure young people can get their jabs when it’s convenient including during half-term – providing parents with extra choice over where and when their child is vaccinated.
“Vaccines are safe, will protect children from Covid-19 and prevent further disruption to education. I urge everyone to get their jabs as soon as possible to keep yourself and your family protected this winter as we continue to build our wall of defence across the country.”
More than 83 million vaccines have already been delivered and nearly 9 in ten adults have had their first dose since the NHS in England made history when Margaret Keenan received the first jab outside of a clinical trial in Coventry, in December 2020.
The NHS booster vaccine rollout is also well underway with more than four million people already receiving the important top up jab ahead of winter in just four weeks since the JCVI updated its guidance.
Anyone receiving a text or letter inviting them for a booster jab should come forward as soon as possible to get crucial protection.
