NHS Information about Covid-19 Vaccination for 12-15 year olds
Tue 26 Oct 2021
Dear parent or guardian,
Out of school vaccination clinics opened up to 12 to 15-year-olds
I am writing to let you know that you can now access additional opportunities for your child aged 12 -16 to receive their COVID-19 vaccine.
Until now, 12 to 15-year-olds have been offered vaccinations as part of the ongoing school vaccination programme.
The NHS national booking service (NBS) is now available to book a COVID-19 vaccination at a convenient location in the same way as people aged 16 and over.
This will mean that those who have not yet had the chance at school, or were unable to have the vaccine at school, can get vaccinated elsewhere, as quickly as possible.
All vaccinations will be given by staff who are specifically trained in the delivery of vaccinations for children and young people.
Centres providing sessions for 12 to 15-year-olds include the large vaccination centres, local community pharmacies and some local vaccination sites.
All appointments offered will be outside of school hours, including evenings and weekends – with daytime appointments available during half term. More locations and appointments will be added regularly to the NHS NBS.
Information about consent will be provided via the NHS NBS and will also be discussed before vaccination takes place.
Parents or guardians who have questions about vaccination are encouraged to make a booking for their child and have a conversation with the healthcare professional at the vaccination location.
12 to 15-year-olds are encouraged to be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Both nasal flu vaccination and COVID-19 vaccination will continue to be delivered by the school aged vaccination service who are running a rolling programme of visits to schools.
Parents who wish to have their child receive a flu or COVID-19 vaccination in school should provide consent for this when asked via their child’s school.
We’re really pleased that there is now more choice for parents for where and when their child can get their COVID-19 vaccine, just in the same way there is choice for adults.
This gives 12-15 year olds more options and will help make sure everyone can get a vaccine as quickly as possible.
Yours sincerely,
Prof Neil Watson