The NHS in the North West is encouraging parents of 12 to 15-year-olds to take advantage of time off school to get their COVID-19 vaccine this half term.

As schools across the North West take their half term breaks either this week or next, young people will be able to choose from more than 180 community vaccination sites across the region.

Vaccination services offer a mix of bookable and walk-in slots and can vaccinate other family members too, making it easier than ever for families to get protected from Omicron.

A range of pop up sites including vaccination buses will be offering jabs without appointments whilst other sites will be available to book using the National Booking Service.

Pop-up vaccine services taking place through half term, with no appointment needed, include:

• Masjid E Sajedeen Mosque in Lancashire, vaccinating from Tuesday, 15 February to Thursday, 17 February 11am until 4pm
• Liverpool’s vaccination bus will visit the Anglican Cathedral at St James Mount on Saturday, 19 February and Sunday, 20 February. Families should check opening times on the national site finder at www.nhs.uk/grab-a-jab before attending.
• Matalan in Bromborough, vaccinating on Thursday, 24 February 4pm until 7.30pm

An NHS North West spokesperson said: “Whilst families are out enjoying the half term, it’s a great opportunity for 12-15s to take advantage of the out of school offer and get vaccinated – and any family members who are due a first, second or booster dose can get their vaccine too.

“The vaccine is safe and effective for children in this age group and with more sites offering the jab to 12-15s during the school holidays, it’s never been easier for families to protect themselves against the virus.

“If your child is yet to be vaccinated, please find a site near you this half-term.”

Since the biggest and fastest vaccination rollout in NHS history expanded to children and young people, more than 50% of 12-15s across the North West have received one dose of the vaccine whilst more than 60,000 have had both doses, protecting them and their families from Covid-19 and helping them get back to doing the things they enjoy.

Clinically at-risk 12 to 15-year-olds or those who live with someone who is immunosuppressed are also entitled to their booster three months after their two primary doses, with those who are severely immunosuppressed able to get their booster after a third primary dose.

In line with national guidance, patient information is sent out to parents and guardians with information on the COVID-19 vaccination.

Parents and guardians are asked to attend vaccination sites with their children. They are asked to read the patient information in advance of arriving for their appointment.

Young people who have had COVID must wait 12 weeks until they can be vaccinated, in line with JCVI guidance.

Parents can check local details of local walk-in sites at www.nhs.uk/grab-a-jab or book an appointment online at www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination