Teenagers urged to get vaccine as 200k still unjabbed

YOUNG teens in the Midlands are being urged to get vaccinated as latest figures show that more than 200,000 remain unprotected from Covid-19 in the region.

NHS teams are set to visit over 300 schools in the Midlands this month, making it convenient for pupils aged 12 to 15 to get their vaccines in school.

In the East Midlands 64 per cent (140,762) of 12 to 15-year-olds on average have had at least one dose of the vaccine and 31 per cent (69,008) are now double jabbed.

During the half-term holidays, NHS initiatives to vaccinate young people included the use of therapy dog, Ruby, to calm nerves in Nottingham, special displays of superheroes and princesses in Worcester and a mini toy town in the Black Country.

The pupils can still attend vaccination clinics out of school hours.

While school children have faced significant disruption to their education due to the pandemic, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) – independent experts who advise on vaccinations – have advised a second Covid vaccination three months on from their first which offers the best protection against the virus for this age group, ensuring they are protected and helping to keep them in school.

While most children infected usually have mild symptoms, some do become ill and some go on to develop more serious symptoms. This includes long Covid, which has side-effects such as extreme fatigue and weakness.

While doctors are still learning about these longterm effects, it is clear vaccination protects against the damage they can do.

In addition, vaccination will help protect children and young people from any potential future variants of Covid-19.

A report from the National Audit Office released recently found that the NHS vaccination programme has helped to save lives and reduce hospital admissions, meeting “stretching and unprecedented targets” – all while making effective use of public money.