Teens can get Covid booster jab from TODAY – in push to finally crush the Omicron variant
TEENAGERS in England can get their booster jab from today – in a push to beat the Omicron variant.
More than 600,000 teens in England have had their second jab — and can now get boosted if it's been three months since that dose.
Dr Nikki Kanani, deputy lead for NHS vaccinations, said it would enable the teenagers to “stay at school and continue socialising”.
Invitations will be sent out this week, with 40,000 eligible from today.
The NHS said invitations will encourage people in the age group to book their appointment online or to find their nearest walk-in centre.
Health Secretary Sajid Javid said: "We’re now extending the programme to 16 and 17-year-olds so they can top-up their immunity this winter to keep themselves and their friends safe.
“We can learn to live with Covid-19 if everybody comes forward for their vaccines and gets boosted now
He added: “More than four in five adults in England have already been boosted, helping to protect them from severe illness and reduce the pressure on the NHS in the face of Omicron."
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Also from today, around 500 teens aged 12 to 15 who are thought to be most at risk from Covid can get their boosters.
Clinically at risk kids, or those who live with someone who is immunosuppressed can have a booster three months after two doses, with those who are severely immunosuppressed able to book in after a third jab.
GPs have already started to invite those who are eligible – including children receiving chemotherapy or radiotherapy, with leukaemia, diabetes, chronic diseases or severe mental illness.
NHS vaccination programme lead for 12-15s, Nick Hulme, said: “The booster has been proven to give substantial levels of protection against Covid-19 and the new omicron variant, so it is vital that our youngest and most at-risk get their top-up dose of protection as soon as possible.
“I am delighted that we can kick off this stage of the rollout with the most at-risk children eligible from today, and we look forward to encouraging many more to come forward in the coming days and weeks.
“As soon as you receive the invitation from your local NHS team or GP, please do take up the offer and bring your child forward for their all-important protection as soon as you can.”
All children aged 12 to 15 are now also eligible for a second dose – 12 weeks on from their first.
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 test.
Those aged 16 and 17 and thought to be at high risk from Covid-19 must wait four weeks (28 days) from a positive test before getting any vaccine dose.
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