Thousands of young people over 16 can now get their COVID-19 vaccine ahead of going back to school or college in September.
North East and North Cumbrian teenagers can get their vaccine in a number of ways in order to protect themselves and their families from Coronavirus.
Youngsters can walk in to a number of local services which are now able to offer vaccination to younger people.
The different ways to get vaccinated are:
- Walk into one of the large vaccination centres – no appointment needed
- Centre for Life, Newcastle 9am – 6pm, 7 days
- Durham Arnison Centre 9am – 6pm, 7 days
- Darlington Arena 8:15am – 7:30pm, 7 days
- Hexham Auction Mart 8:15am – 6:00pm, (Tuesday – Saturday inc)
- NHS Nightingale Hospital North East 9am – 6pm, 7 days
- Middlesbrough Riverside – w/c 23 August, 10am – 6pm ( Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday)
2. Look for a local vaccination service on-line – no appointment needed
The NHS site finder has up to date information on the locations that over 16s can attend. These services change frequently so keep checking back.
3. Wait for your GP practice to invite you to a local clinic.
Please don’t contact your GP practice, wait for the practice to invite you to attend an appointment.
In line with Joint Committee of Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) guidance recently issued, 16 and 17 year olds are vaccinated with a single dose of Pfizer vaccine.
The National Booking Service is able to take bookings for 17 year olds who are within three months of their 18th birthday. For people younger they can use suitable walk-in services via the site finder or wait for their GP to contact them.
Children aged 12 to 15 who are clinically vulnerable to Covid because they have specific underlying health conditions or who live with adults who are at increased risk of serious illness from the virus are also being contacted by the NHS and invited for their vaccine. Parents and carers of children should wait to be contacted either by their GP or specialist hospital team.
Professor Neil Watson, who has been leading the COVID-19 Vaccination programme for the North East and North Cumbria said there has been an incredible response to the biggest and most successful vaccination drive in NHS history with nine in 10 adults in England now protected with at least one dose.
He said: “As young people prepare for their next steps, head to college, university or into their first full-time jobs, it is vital they get protection from coronavirus by getting their vaccine in line with updated guidance.
“Whether you are out and about enjoying your summer break before classes start or starting a new job it has never been easier to get your vaccine.”
NHS staff across the region continue to work hard to ensure all 16 and 17 year olds can get vaccinated as quickly and as easily as possible.
People who attended a walk-in clinic for their first dose will have their vaccination record updated online and if appropriate will then be able to book in their second dose appointment using the National Booking Service.Thousands of young people over 16 can now get their COVID-19 vaccine ahead of going back to school or college in September.