Children aged 12-15 across the Black Country and West Birmingham are being invited to come forward over the school holidays for a second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine

Following new guidance from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), children aged 12 to 15 are now eligible for a second dose of the Pfizer vaccine, provided it has been 12 weeks since their first dose.

Appointments can be booked online via the National Booking System or by calling 111. Walk-in slots are also available at selected vaccination sites across the area including Tipton Sports Academy in Sandwell, The Saddlers Vaccination Centre in Walsall, the Cardiac Rehab Gym at City Hospital and the Mander Vaccination Centre in Wolverhampton.

Consent will be completed by a health professional at the site on the day, and a dose of the Pfizer vaccine will be given. Sally Roberts, Chief Nursing Officer for NHS Black Country and West Birmingham Clinical Commissioning Group, said:

“Now schools have broken up for Christmas, I urge all young people and their families to take the opportunity to book in for either their first dose if they haven’t done so already, or second dose as soon as they become eligible.

“The vaccine is the best defence we have against COVID-19 and in light of the new Omicron variant it’s more important than ever that people come forward for their vaccine.

“The offer of a vaccination is evergreen, so any parent or guardian who previously declined to give consent but has changed their mind, is welcome to bring their child along any time.”

Children do not need to be registered with a GP or have an NHS number to be vaccinated, but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. For any families not able to make a vaccination appointment over the holidays, school-age immunisation services will continue to run once schools return in the New Year, with first and second doses being offered through schools.