Children offered protection against Covid-19 at half term vaccination clinics
Children eligible for a Covid-19 vaccination can get protected this half term at one of a number of dedicated vaccine clinics being held in locations across Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire.
Five vaccination clinics are taking place during the October school holidays, meaning parents of children who are eligible have a choice of where to take them to get protected.
The Covid-19 vaccine is currently available to people between the ages of six months and 74 who are living with a weakened immune system, as well as to all adults over the age of 75.
Parents and carers of eligible children should have already been contacted about booking a vaccination appointment, but those yet to do so are encouraged to take advantage of the dedicated children’s clinics available this half term.
Gill May, Chief Nurse, Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board, said: “For vulnerable children, Covid-19 has the potential to be very harmful.
“Not only does it exacerbate the child’s existing long-term health condition, but it also makes it really difficult for their immune system, which is already in a weakened state, to actually fight off the virus.
“And with the beginning of December only six or so weeks away, these dedicated children’s clinics are perfectly timed to ensure that any child getting vaccinated will do so with enough time to build up a good immunity ahead of Christmas, New Year and the arrival of the really cold winter weather.”
The dates and times of all the children’s Covid-19 vaccination clinics happening this half term are:
Monday 27 October, 10am – 11.30am: Taw Hill Surgery, Swindon
Monday 27 October, 1pm – 3.30pm: Chippenham Community Hospital
Wednesday 29 October, 10am – 11.30am: Central Health Centre, Salisbury
Wednesday 29 October, 10am – 11.30am: St Martins Hospital, Bath
Friday 31 October, 1pm – 3.30pm: Warminster Community Hospital
Parents and carers can book their child a slot at any one of the five clinics by logging on to the NHS website at www.nhs.uk or by calling 119 from any landline or mobile.
Other people who are eligible for a Covid-19 vaccination, including those aged 75 and over, can also book their vaccine appointment in these ways, with adults able to receive their jab at their GP practice or from a nearby community pharmacy.
More information about the Covid-19 vaccine, as well as further details on how to stay well during winter, can be found at www.bswtogether.org.uk/yourhealth.