Dr David Vickers, medical director, Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust, which delivers the large scale vaccination centres across Norfolk and Waveney said:

“From Monday 20 December, 12-15 year olds not in at risk groups will be able to access a second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine 12 weeks after their first dose, providing further vital protection against the virus.

“To ensure as many 12-15 year olds in this category as possible can access their second dose in a planned and managed way and avoid them being turned away due to lengthy queues, all second doses must be booked via the National Booking Service at www.nhs.uk/covidvaccine - second doses for 12-15 year olds not in at risk groups will not be available on a walk-in basis.”

“All other eligible groups can continue to access their first, second and third primary dose vaccinations via our walk-in services. This includes 12-15 year olds accessing their first dose; as well as those in this age group who are in the at risk categories, or who are immunosuppressed, or who live with someone who is immunosuppressed; all of whom continue to be eligible for a second jab eight weeks after their first.” 

Howard Martin, Director of Population Health Management and Health Inequalities at NHS Norfolk and Waveney Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) said:

“The availability of this additional protection for 12-15 year olds is fantastic news for families across Norfolk and Waveney, so please do book your appointment as soon as you are able to.

“Can I also remind people that boosters for those aged 18 and over continue to be available on a booked appointment basis only.  We strongly encourage people who are eligible to come forward for their booster, and it’s never too late for those who haven’t had their first or second vaccination to have their jab.  The vast majority of those being hospitalised with serious illness from Covid-19 are those who have not been vaccinated. 

“Vaccines are the best way to protect yourselves and your loved ones and reducing covid-related hospital admissions will help the NHS cope better during the winter months and reduce disruption to routine and planned care.”

Having delivered an incredible 1,187,000 vaccine doses across Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, Norfolk and Waveney since our first centre opened in January 2021, our large scale vaccination centres will be closed over the holiday period on the following dates:

• Saturday 25^th, Sunday 26^th and Bank Holidays Monday 27^th and Tuesday 28^th December 2021
• Saturday 1^st January and Sunday 2 January 2022

Further information on walk-in vaccination services is available at https://www.norfolkandwaveneyccg.nhs.uk/covid-19-vaccination-programme

End

Editors notes:

12-15 year olds must be accompanied for their vaccinations by their parent/guardian.

The large scale vaccination centres listed below are open seven days a week (other than Dereham). All are open 8.30 am to 4.00 pm and later on certain evenings – for more details visit: https://norfolkandwaveneyccg.nhs.uk/vaccinations/covid-19-vaccines/covid-vaccinations

• Paddock Road Surgery, Paddock Road, Harleston IP20 9AT

• Connaught Hall, Station Rd, Attleborough NR17 2AS

• Shakespeare Barn, King's Lynn Arts Centre, King Street, Kings Lynn PE30 1HA

• Castle Quarter Shopping Centre, 100 Castle Meadow, Norwich NR1 3DD
• Beetley Ward, Dereham Hospital, Northgate, Dereham NR19 2EX is (open Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only)

When are 12-15 year olds eligible for their second dose

• 12-15 year olds not in ‘at risk’ categories can access their second dose, by appointment only, 12 weeks after their first dose

   

• 12-15 year olds in the following categories can access their second dose, on a walk-in basis or by booked appointment, 8 weeks after their first dose

• those who are in the at risk categories
• those who are immunosuppressed
• those who live with someone who is immunosuppressed

Who is currently eligible for a booster jab by appointment only three months after their second jab:

• people aged 30 and over
• people who live and work in care homes
• frontline health and social care workers
• people aged 16 and over with a health condition that puts them at high risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19
• people aged 16 and over who are a main carer for someone at high risk from COVID-19
• people aged 16 and over who live with someone who is more likely to get infections (such as someone who has HIV, has had a transplant or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis)
• People who are pregnant and in 1 of the eligible groups can also get a booster dose.

Second doses for 12-15 year olds will initially be offered via the national booking service, as schools break up for Christmas. School-age immunisation service providers will run once schools return in the New Year, with second doses also being offered through schools from 10th January.