The school break is also an opportunity for youngsters aged 16 and 17 to get a booster to help protect them from the virus.*

Parents can bring children to a local walk-in vaccination site see here without an appointment or book a jab online via the national booking system see here

Dr Ed Capo-Bianco, Urgent Care Lead at Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group, and a local GP, said:

“This half term, we are encouraging youngsters aged 12 to 15 who have not yet been vaccinated to come forward and have a jab, and for 16 and 17-year-olds to get a booster if needed.

“The school holiday offers the perfect opportunity for parents to get their children protected by booking an appointment online or using a local walk-in site. One dose of the COVID-19 vaccine gives good protection against your child getting seriously ill. But two doses gives stronger and longer-lasting protection. Vaccinating children can also help stop the spread of COVID-19 to other people, including within schools.

Ed added: “And it’s not too late for parents who need a first, second or booster jab to get one at the same time as their children over half-term to ensure the whole family is protected.”

If a child has tested positive for COVID-19 but is not a high risk from the illness they need to wait 12 weeks before they have a vaccination. For further information see the NHS.UK website or see here

Notes

• To find a local walk-in site and to book via the national system see here 

• For information on the COVID-19 vaccination for children aged 12 to 15 see here

• Parents or guardians are asked to attend vaccination sites with their children.

• *16 and 17-year-olds can pre-book a booster if it’s been two months since their second dose, and they will be offered appointment dates from three months after their second dose.
• COVID-19 vaccinations for healthy 5 to 11 year olds:

‘Following the Government’s announcement that all children aged 5 to 11 will be offered the COVID-19 vaccination, NHS partners across Oxfordshire are now planning the best way to deliver the vaccine to this age group. In line with government timelines this service may not be available until April 2022. Further information will be available in due course.’