The roll-out of Covid-19 vaccine jabs for 12-15 year-olds across Sandwell is now well underway.

All young people aged 12 to 15 years are being offered the first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. The UK’s Chief Medical Officers all agree that while COVID-19 is typically mild or asymptomatic in most young people, for some it can be very unpleasant.

One dose of the vaccine will provide better protection against severe illness, hospitalisation and transmission to other young people and family members.

Vaccinating 12 to 15 year olds should also help to reduce the need for students to have time off school and reduce the risk of spread of COVID-19 within schools and the wider community.  This will help to keep young people well emotionally, which was an important consideration for the Chief Medical Officers when making their decisions.

Roll out of the vaccinations will be via Sandwell’s schools. Dr Lisa McNally, Director of Public Health at Sandwell Council said:

“The roll out of vaccinations for young people is well under way, I’d encourage all parents and guardians to keep a look out for e-consent forms over the next few weeks. 

“This vaccine is effective for 12 to 15 years old and has followed a rigorous review of the safety and quality in this age group.

“Vaccinating young people in this age group will lower the likelihood of a further break in their education and will help lower rates of infection in schools and the wider community.”