16 and 17 year olds in North West London invited to get COVID-19 vaccine

Young people in North West London aged 16 and 17 years old can now book appointments to get their first COVID-19 vaccination. These appointments can be booked online or by calling 119.

Young people are being urged to protect themselves and others against the virus this summer before going back to school, or going to college or university in September.

Findings from the Office for National Statistics this week showed that more 18 to 21 year olds are willing to get vaccinated -  over 1.4 million people between 18 and 24 have already been vaccinated to date.

NHS NW London Chief Nurse Pippa Nightingale, (also Chief Nurse at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust) said: "We’re delighted we are able to extend our vaccination programme to protect even more people.”

“Teenagers out and about enjoying their summer break can do so with the reassurance the vaccine brings and it’s never been easier to get your jab at one of many vaccination sites and pop-up clinics across NW London”.

Young people aged 12 to 15 who are clinically vulnerable to COVID or who live with adults at increased risk of serious illness from the virus are also being contacted by the NHS and being invited to get their vaccine.

Invitations by text will appear as an alert from 'NHSvaccine' and include a web link to the NHS website to reserve an appointment.

People who cannot go online can call the service on 119 instead to book their jab.

The NHS has been jabbing at hundreds of convenient locations across the country, such as mosques, museums, football stadiums and other community hubs.

People who attended a walk-in clinic for their first dose will have their vaccination record updated online and will then be able to book in their second dose appointment using the National Booking Service.

Background:

• Following the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) guidance in relation to Covid-19 vaccinations for children and young people, from August 12, individuals within three months of their 18th birthday will be invited to book their vaccination appointment via the National Booking System (NBS).

ENDS