HALF TERM IS HERE! COME ON DOWN AND GRAB A JAB

Young people aged between 12 and 17 can take advantage of a few days off school or college this half term to get their Covid-19 vaccination.

‘Grab a Jab’ clinics will be running right across Cheshire and Merseyside, meaning plenty of opportunities for over 12s to get a first or second vaccination at a time and place convenient to them. Those aged 16 and 17 can also get a booster when due.

People can find a walk-in site close to them at www.nhs.uk/grab-a-jab, book appointments on the National Booking System or call 119. Details of local centres can be found at the bottom of the page.

Most healthy 12 to 15-year-olds have already had a first vaccination at school and are now having their second the same way. However, there are many more who missed this opportunity due to having to isolate or having been infected with the virus when the immunisations team were at their school. 

Vaccination Programme Director for Cheshire and Merseyside, Jayne Wood, says the half-term break is the ideal time for young people (and their families) to come and get the vaccination they’re due.

She said: “Getting the vaccine is free and takes just a few minutes. Side-effects effects are extremely rare and only usually amount to a sore arm at most. It’s still really important that young people come and get both jabs and, where eligible, the booster.

“During half-term, students who have missed the opportunity to get jabbed at school can now do so at one of the clinics. Getting vaccinated helps keep young people in school and prevents further disruption to their social and family life. It also helps reduce transmission of the virus to the wider community.” 

When can I get a second jab?

People aged 12-17 are eligible for a second dose if it has been 12+ weeks since their first jab. Those aged 18+ (including within 3 months of turning 18) need to wait at least 8 weeks after their first jab. Boosters are available for people aged over 16 at 3+ months (91 days) after their second dose. 

Can I get vaccinated if I’ve tested positive for Covid?

People who have had a positive Covid-19 test need to wait before getting any dose of the vaccine. Those aged 12 to 17 need to wait 12 weeks (84 days), unless they are at high risk of illness, in which case the wait is just 4 weeks. People aged over 18 need to wait just 4 weeks (28 days). 

Where can I get my jab?

You can find a walk-in site close to them at www.nhs.uk/grab-a-jab, book appointments on the National Booking System or call 119. Details of local centres can be found at the bottom of the page.

More information about vaccinations in Cheshire and Merseyside