Every eligible 16 and 17-year-old will be able to walk-in for (or book if preferred) their vital booster jab from tomorrow (Monday) as the fastest and most successful vaccination programme in NHS history continues to expand.

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

“Our centres will be offering boosters on a walk-in basis for young people aged 16 and 17 from Monday 17 January as soon as they reach 3 months post their second dose.  The only exception to this is our vaccination centre at Chesterton Indoor Bowls Club which, due to restricted parking, does not offer walk-in facilities.

“Eligible young people can also choose to book an appointment for their booster, if preferred, via the National Booking Service at www.nhs.uk/covidvaccine

“All other eligible groups can also continue to access their 1^st and 2^nd dose vaccinations via our walk-in services or via booked appointment; other than 12-15 year olds who are not in an at risk group and who need their second dose – this group should continue to book appointments 12 weeks after their first dose via the National Booking Service.”

Previously, boosters were only recommended by the JCVI for clinically vulnerable 16 and 17-year-olds who are most at risk from Covid-19.  

Since the vaccination programme rolled out to this age group in August, more than 16,000 16 and 17 year olds across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough have had their first dose, and more than 15,000 under 18s their second.  Over 76% of all eligible cohorts across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough have had their booster or third dose.

Dr Gary Howsam, Chair of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Clinical Commissioning Group, said:

“Getting the vaccine is the single most important step we can take to protect ourselves, our families and our communities against Covid-19. 

“We strongly encourage people who are eligible to come forward for their booster and it’s never too late to have your first or second dose either.  The evidence is clear. Not getting vaccinated against Covid puts you at greater risk of serious illness and death.

“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.”

Further information on walk-in vaccination services is available at www.thevaccinators.co.uk

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Editors notes:

Recent data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) showed that two doses of the vaccine are not enough to stop people becoming unwell from Omicron, but a booster significantly increases protection against the variant.

16-17 year olds

In line with Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) guidance, the NHS cannot vaccinate 16 and 17-year-olds within 12 weeks (84 days) of a positive Covid-19 test.

Those aged 16 and 17 and considered at high risk from Covid-19 must wait four weeks (28 days) from the date of a positive Covid-19 test before getting any dose of the vaccine.

Large Scale vaccination centres

Large scale vaccination centres are open seven days a week 8.30 am to 4.00 pm and some late evenings for walk-in clinics at the following locations:

• Horsefair Shopping Centre, Wisbech, Cambs PE13 1AR 
• The Grafton Centre, Cambridge CB1 1PS

• The Eatons Community Centre, Eaton Socon, St Neots PE19 8ES

• The Oaktree Centre, 1 Oak Drive, Huntingdon PE29 7HN
• Queensgate Shopping Centre, PeterboroughPE1 1NT

For information on later evening opening times visit www.thevaccinators.co.uk

Chesterton Indoor Bowls Centre, Logan’s Way, Chesterton, Cambridge CB4 1BL does not provide walk-in clinics for any group. Appointments can be booked at this site (and all other large scale vaccination centres) via nhs.uk/covidvaccine

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:

• you are aged 16 or over
• you are a frontline health or social care worker
• you live or work in a care home
• you are aged 16 or over and are a main carer for someone at high risk from COVID-19
• you are aged 16 or over and live with someone who has a weakened immune system (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.