Parents advised to put covid vaccine on kids’ back-to-school list

Chiefs of the health body serving Swindon say vaccination should be every bit as much a part of plans as new shoes, pencil cases and PE kits.

Schools across the region will start to return after the summer holidays from next week, and all children who celebrate their fifth birthday on or before Wednesday, 31 August are eligible for two doses of the vaccine.

The vaccination offer for children applies to ages 5 to 16, with those aged 17 and over becoming eligible for the adult vaccination course which includes a third booster dose.

Being vaccinated before the new school term not only reduces the likelihood of the virus spreading in the classroom, but also allows parents to make the most of the current good appointment availability at the region’s many vaccination clinics.

Gill May, Chief Nurse, Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board, said: “Thankfully, covid-19 numbers have been falling over the last few weeks, but we’re acutely aware that things could change when children return to the classrooms.

“The best way to keep the virus from spreading, especially among children who will soon be in close contact with others for large parts of the day, is to make sure that any young person who is still to be vaccinated gets the jab as quickly as possible.

“Education is such an important part of every child’s development, and the covid-19 vaccine is a tried and tested and, above all else, completely safe intervention that can go a long way to ensuring that children’s time in school is not disrupted.”

Although most children only need two doses of the vaccine, given approximately 12 weeks apart, to achieve full protection, some young people will require more.

Those aged between 12 and 15 are eligible for a booster dose three months after having their second vaccine, while children aged five and over who have a severely weakened immune system will need a third primary jab, before then requiring a booster.

Vaccines for children remain available at local vaccination centres, including the larger sites such as Steam in Swindon.

Vaccines can also be given at more local venues, including those based in pharmacies, community buildings and GP practices.

Parents can find their nearest vaccine centre, as well as book their child a vaccination appointment, via the NHS website, which can be accessed at www.nhs.uk

More information about the local rollout of the vaccine, including details of the upcoming autumn booster programme for adults over the age of 50, can be found at www.bsw.icb.nhs.uk