Families urged to get COVID-19 vaccine in half term

The local NHS is inviting parents and kids to grab a jab at a local COVID-19 drop-in clinic during the half term break this February.

School immunisation teams have already visited every secondary school in the city, and are currently running follow up sessions offering more first and second doses to all 12-15 year olds (with parental consent).

In addition, local GPs have been writing to the parents of 5-11 year olds who are at highest risk of serious illness from COVID-19, and those who live with immune-supressed family members, to invite them to be vaccinated.

Local health professionals are keen to remind parents that giving the COVID-19 vaccine to children and young people is completely safe, and that there are a number of important benefits to doing so.

Although COVID-19 is usually mild in children and young people, it can make some children very ill. Getting the vaccine will help protect children against becoming unwell with COVID-19, and it can also provide extra protection to other vulnerable family members such as parents or grandparents with existing health conditions.

Not only that, but it can help reduce the spread of COVID-19 within schools and the wider community – along with all the disruption that this can cause to children’s education and social lives too.

Children aged 12 to 15 and their families can get vaccinated at a wide range of vaccination sites across the city this half term – simply find a local drop-in session or book an appointment at: www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination or call 119.

In addition, the NHS COVID-19 bus is back on the road this month and will making the following stops during half-term:

• Saturday 19 February – Liverpool Anglican Cathedral
• Saturday 26 & Sunday 27 February – Williamson Square, City Centre

These sessions will run from 10am – 4pm, offering first, second and booster doses of the Covid-19 vaccine for anyone aged 12+. No appointment is needed – just turn up.

For more information on getting your COVID-19 vaccine or booster, please visit: www.liverpoolccg.nhs.uk.