Posted on Tuesday 10th August 2021
People aged 16 and 17 are being urged to get their Covid-19 vaccine as soon as they are invited.
Following the Government’s announcement last week that the vaccine will be made available to all 16- and 17-year-olds, the NHS will be contacting people directly to invite them to get their vaccine.
People in this age group do not need their parents’ permission to get the vaccine, but can only book once they have had a letter or text message from the NHS inviting them to do so.
And in the week where students get their GCSE and A-Level results, Staffordshire’s Cabinet Support Member for Public Health and Integrated Care Dr Johnny McMahon is urging all those eligible to book their vaccine as soon as they are invited.
He said:
“As we have seen across the country Covid-19 rates have reduced, and this is mainly down to the effectiveness of the vaccine. However, to keep Covid levels low, we need as many people to protect themselves and others against the virus.
“This is why it’s important for anyone eligible for the Covid vaccine to get it, even if the risk of getting seriously ill from this virus is low for this particular age range. It’s important that we boost the immunity of the whole population, especially as we start to head into the autumn and winter months, when respiratory illnesses spread more easily.
“The NHS will shortly be sending letters or text messages to everyone aged 16 and 17 inviting them to book their vaccine at their local NHS service. I would urge anyone receiving either of these to book their vaccine as soon as possible.”
There are currently no plans from the Government to offer the vaccine to under 16s with no underlying health conditions.
More information on the Covid-19 vaccine can be found at:
www.nhs.uk