Parents of five to 15-year-olds are being urged to take advantage of time off during May half term to get their Covid-19 vaccine sorted.

As schools across Greater Manchester take a break, children aged five and over will be able to get their jabs up to date at 50+ community vaccination sites. These include the seven day a week clinic* at the Manchester Tennis Centre (Etihad Campus)

Many vaccination services - including vaccination buses - offer both bookable and walk-in slots and can vaccinate other family members too, making it easier than ever for families to get protected from Omicron. 

Jane Pilkington, Deputy Director for Population Health at Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership, said the May school break offers the perfect opportunity to give families that dose of reassurance.  

She said: “Covid-19 is still active and the school half-term is a great opportunity for children aged 5-15 to get vaccinated. 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 5-15s 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, or they need to get a second or booster dose, please find a site near you this half-term.”

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.

Further details on specific vaccine sites can be found at:

www.tameside.gov.uk/covidvaccine

oldham.gov.uk/vaccine 

Since the biggest and fastest vaccination rollout in NHS history expanded to children and young people, half of 12-15s in Greater Manchester have received at least one of the two vaccine doses they are now eligible for, helping to reduce their risk of infection and the risk of passing the virus on to others.

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-19 must wait 12 weeks until they can be vaccinated, in line with JCVI guidance.

The Etihad Vaccination Clinic will not be running on the bank holidays, Thursday June 2 and Friday June 3.