Extra half term vaccine clinics to help 12 to 15-year-olds get protected against Covid-19

Vaccination centres across Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire are holding extra clinics for children of secondary school age this half term.

Bath Racecourse, the Steam Museum in Swindon, Salisbury City Hall and the Spencer Sport and Social Club in Melksham have additional clinics planned to help older children get vaccinated during the school holidays.

All sites apart from the Steam Museum will be offering walk-in vaccinations, meaning children can get the vaccine without a pre-booked appointment.

Families in Swindon should arrange their child’s vaccination appointment through the National Booking System, either online at www.nhs.uk or over the phone by calling 119, before arriving at the venue.

Children due their second vaccine during the half term break are advised to get the jab from one of the participating venues, rather than wait for in-school vaccinations to resume in March.

Two doses of the coronavirus vaccine are needed to fully protect children aged between 12 and 15-years-old against Covid-19.

Gill May, Director of Nursing and Quality, said: “Getting our young people protected against Covid-19 not only helps to keep children safe, but also reduces the risk of the virus spreading in schools.

“We know that many children are due to receive a vaccine at their school in the coming weeks, but these additional clinics mean families do not have to wait any longer than is necessary.

“Sites will also be providing first jabs for any young people who have so far held off from having the vaccine, and I’d encourage any parents whose children are worried about vaccination to speak openly with them about their concerns, or to bring them to a clinic so they can have an informal chat with one of our friendly clinicians.”

Salisbury City Hall and Bath Racecourse will be offering vaccinations for 12 to 15-year-olds on every day of the half term holidays, including weekends.

The Steam Museum in Swindon will have appointment slots available for pre-booking on Saturday 19, Tuesday 22 and Saturday 26 February.

Spencer Sport and Social Club in Melksham will host evening walk-in clinics, which run between 6pm and 8.30pm, on Thursday 17 and Thursday 24 February.

The site will also be open between 2pm and 8pm on Tuesday 22 and Wednesday 23 February, as well as between 10am and 4pm on Saturday 26 February.

Details of all local vaccination venues, including which are offering walk-in appointments, can be found online at www.nhs.uk or over the phone by calling 119.

Further information about the rollout of the Covid-19 vaccine in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire is also available at www.bswccg.nhs.uk