Covid jab on offer at all three universities

STUDENTS who are not yet vaccinated are being urged to get Covid-19 jabs this week as Leicestershire’s three universities hold pop-up clinics on campus.

NHS Midlands said it wants students to ensure they have the best possible protection as the academic year begins.

Since last week, De Montfort, Loughborough and Leicester universities have been holding pop-up clinics on campus that do not require an appointment.

A walk-in finder on the NHS website also allows students or anyone who is eligible to enter their postcode and find their nearest centre for both first and second doses.

Alison Tonge, the NHS England and NHS improvement director responsible for overseeing the vaccination programme across the Midlands, said: “Starting university is one of the most significant moments in the lives of vast numbers of people every year.

“Having your jab could be one of the most important things you do to ensure you get the best out of it.

NHS Midlands is also reminding students who have moved away from home to register with a GP.

On-campus vaccine clinics were being held at the Charles Wilson Building on the University of Leicester campus until yesterday.

At De Montfort University, the clinics run from today until Sunday in the Estates Development Building.

They are open weekdays from 11am to 6pm and weekends from noon to 7pm.

Loughborough University hosts clinics in the Pilkington Library today and tomorrow, from 11am to 6pm.

The clinics return on October 9 and 10, from noon to 7pm.

Last week the NHS kickstarted the booster programme with eligible groups being invited for their top-up jabs.

As per new guidance from the Joint Commission on Vaccination and Immunisation, 16 and 17-yearolds are also being offered one dose of the Pfizer vaccine at walk-in centres across the country.