The NHS in the North West is urging families to get their children protected against coronavirus as vaccination teams continue to visit the region’s schools to offer first and second doses to 12 to 15-year-olds.

Vaccination teams are visiting schools again to offer second doses to those eligible, as well as first doses for those who missed the first round of vaccinations last term. Every school in the region now has a COVID-19 vaccination session either booked in or being planned for eligible students.

Alternatively, parents can take their children to a community vaccination venue. The NHS is continuing to expand the number of sites offering out-of-school vaccination to 12 to 15 year-olds every week, with more than 160 sites and tens of thousands of appointments available on the online National Booking Service as the February half term approaches.

Walk-in slots are also available for 12 to 15-year-olds at many venues, including St John’s Shopping Centre in Preston, the Pier Head in Liverpool and Leigh Leisure Centre in Wigan, making it possible to get the whole family vaccinated at the same time. Dedicated pop up clinics for 12-15 year olds are planned at Rock Ferry One Stop Shop and Tranmere Rovers Football Club in February (details below).

Walk-in clinic opening times vary and people are urged to check the national site finder at www.nhs.uk/grab-a-jab before attending.

Dr Linda Charles-Ozuzu, Regional Director of Commissioning and Senior Responsible Officer for the COVID-19 vaccination programme in the North West, said: “The best way to keep children and families safe from becoming seriously ill with COVID-19 is to get as many people vaccinated as possible.

“The Omicron variant of the virus is spreading through our communities and schools faster than any of the strains that we have seen before, but the vaccination programme is proving to be successful.

“Whether you choose to book an appointment, visit a walk-in site or take up the school vaccination offer, please ensure that your child has the maximum two doses, for the very best protection.

“COVID-19 has caused so much disruption to our children’s education, getting the vaccine is the best way to making sure they can stay at school and continue socialising with their peers, all the while keeping themselves, their loved ones and friends safe.”

All North West schools have had at least one visit from a vaccination team since the rollout began in September 2021. Since then, almost half of young people aged 12 to 15 – 49.8% – have had their first dose of the vaccine, and more young people are coming forward every day.

All children aged 12 to 15 are eligible for a second dose of vaccine if it has been more than 12 weeks since their first jab, or 12 weeks following a positive COVID-19 test result – whichever is later. If children miss their COVID-19 vaccination, for any reason, they will still be able to access the vaccine at a later date.

Following advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation on 22 December 2021, the NHS is contacting those aged 12 to 15 in a clinical risk group or who live with someone who is immunosuppressed to invite them for their booster, which they can have three months after their second dose.

In line with national guidance, consent letters are sent out to parents and guardians prior to the school clinics with information on the Covid-19 vaccination.

You can book a community based vaccine appointment online at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/coronavirus-vaccine-for-children-aged-12-to-15/ or by phoning 119. A wide range of walk-in clinics are also available around the region.