This week, the government announced that local vaccination sites would also play a part, alongside schools, in rolling out this next phase of the vaccination programme.
This is how it will work
12 to 15 year olds will be offered one dose of the vaccine.
They will be able to get the vaccine through their school, or at a local vaccination site.
If the vaccine is given at school, the child will be unaccompanied; but if given at a local vaccination site, the child can be accompanied by a parent.
Parents will get a letter from the NHS saying that their child can get the vaccine at school, or at a local vaccination site.
The letter will explain the different process for consent if booking an appointment at a vaccination centre as oppose to receiving the vaccination at school. It will also explain how to book an appointment at a vaccination centre.
Schools will also write to parents to inform them when the immunisation team (Virgin Care) will be visiting their school, once the school has been told, and with information on the consent needed and the deadline for that consent to be given.
On the day, the vaccination will be administered by trained and experienced healthcare staff. The pupil will go to the designated hall where there will be a team to check the required consent. The pupil will receive their vaccination and then be asked to rest for a short while in an observation area.
If your child is absent on the day of the vaccination, or unable to be vaccinated but consent has been given, or if you would like to accompany your child during their vaccination, then you can book your child a vaccination appointment at a vaccination centre by visiting www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination.
The UKHSA has produced guidance for parents, children and young people to explain the COVID-19 vaccination programme, and answer frequently asked questions.
- More detailed guidance for parents and children and young people
- Further information is available on the dedicated NHS website to support parents and families and answer their questions about the COVID 19 vaccine.
- Paper copies of the guidance is available to order for free from Health Publications
To book an appointment at a vaccination centre
The National Booking System is now open to book vaccination appointments for 12 t0 15 year olds, with the appointments available as soon as tomorrow (Saturday).
The Devon vaccination centres are at:
- Home Park, Plymouth, PL2 3DQ
- Greendale Vaccination Centre, Woodbury Salterton, Exeter, EX5 1EW
- English Riviera Centre, Chestnut Avenue, Torquay, TQ2 5LZ
- Barnstaple Leisure Centre, Seven Brethren Bank, Sticklepath, Barnstaple EX31 2AP