Parents encouraged to get children vaccinated ahead of the new school year

Parents are being urged to get their children vaccinated ready for the return of school next month.

Walk-in vaccine clinics are running throughout the summer for children between the ages 5-15. The clinics will offer first and second doses of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine with no appointment needed. Children can get a first dose of the vaccine from the day they turn 5 but must wait 12 weeks before getting their second dose. Consent will be required, so parents or carers should attend the vaccination appointment with their child.

The walk-in vaccine clinics will be available at:

1. Tamworth Rugby Club, B79 8ED, 19 August, 10am – 2.45pm, anyone aged 5-15

2. Lichfield Fire Station, WS13 6HX, 22 August, 10am – 2.45pm, anyone aged 12-15

3. Meir Trinity Church, ST3 5PY, 24 August, 10am – 2.45pm, anyone aged 12-15

4. St Johns Centre, ST4 6QD, 25 August, 10am – 2.45pm, anyone aged 5-11

5. Codsall Fire station, WV8 1HU, 30 August, 10am – 2.45pm, anyone aged 5-11

6. Kinver Fire Station, DY7 6EW, 31 August, 10am - 2:45pm, anyone aged 12-15

Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet Support Member for Public Health and Integrated Care, Paul Northcott, said: “Vaccines offer the best protection against Covid-19 and I encourage all parents to use the remainder of the summer holidays to ensure their children are fully vaccinated.

“Although children are generally at a lower risk of serious illness from the virus, getting the vaccine reduces the risk of transmitting the virus to others, especially those more vulnerable. 

“If your child still needs to get their first or second dose, please make use of these walk-in clinics before the school year starts.”

People can find details of walk-in clinics at: www.nhs.uk/grab-a-jab

More information on the vaccine can be found at: www.nhs.uk/coronavirusvaccine.