Second Covid-19 vaccinations now available in Cambridgeshire to those aged 12-15 - but by appointment only
Second Covid-19 vaccinations for those aged 12 to 15 can now be booked.
They are available in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough by appointment only from today (Monday, December 20).
To access the second jab, 12 weeks must have passed since their first dose, unless they are in an at-risk group.
Those aged 12-15 must be accompanied for their vaccinations by a parent or guardian.
Meanwhile, walk-in services are still available for anyone else accessing a first, second or third primary dose, including those aged 12-15 seeking their first vaccination.
Dr David Vickers, medical director of Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust, which delivers the large-scale vaccination centres across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough said:
“From Monday, December 20, 12 to 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 to 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, including 12-15 year olds having their first dose.
For 12 to 15-year-olds who are in the at-risk categories, or who are immunosuppressed or who live with someone who is immunosuppressed, second jabs are available eight weeks after their first on a walk-in basis.”
Dr Gary Howsam, chair of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “The availability of this additional protection for 12 to 15-year-olds is fantastic news for families across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, 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 via www.nhs.uk/covidvaccine.
“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.”
Meanwhile, the roll-out of boosters continues to those who had their second dose at least three months ago..
When are large-scale vaccination centres in Cambridgeshire open?
Large-scale vaccination centres in Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, Norfolk and Waveney - which have delivered 1,187,000 vaccine doses since opening in January 2021 - will close on:
- Christmas Day
- Boxing Day
- Monday, December 27
- Tuesday, December 28
- Saturday, January 1
- Sunday, January 2
They are otherwise open seven days a week at the following locations. Note that you cannot access boosters on a walk-in basis from these - you need to book. Those seeking first, second or third primary doses can walk-in, except those aged 12-15 seeking a second dose, who must book.
- The Grafton Centre, Cambridge CB1 1PS - 8.30am-4pm seven days a week and 8.30am-7.30pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
- The Eatons Community Centre, Eaton Socon, St Neots PE19 8ES - 8.30am-4pm seven days a week and 8.30am-7.30pm on Tuesdays
- The Oaktree Centre, 1 Oak Drive, Huntingdon PE29 7HN - 8.30am-4pm seven days a week and 8.30am-7.30pm on Thursdays
- Horsefair Shopping Centre, Wisbech, Cambs PE13 1AR - 8.30am-4pm seven days a week and 8.30am-7.30pm on Mondays
- Queensgate Shopping Centre, Peterborough PE1 1NT - 8.30am-4pm seven days a week and 8.30am-7.30pm on Thursday
Appointment-only large-scale vaccination centre in Cambridge
Chesterton Indoor Bowls Centre, Logan’s Way, Chesterton, Cambridge CB4 1BL - 8.30am-4pm - this site is only offering vaccinations that have been booked in advance, due to parking constraints on the site
How to book and where to get more information
Visit www.nhs.uk/covidvaccine or call 119 to book an appointment.
As information on the programme is changing fast, check for any local changes or updates before you go at www.thevaccinators.co.uk.
Many GP surgeries and pharmacies are also involved in the programme.
Read more
Where, when and how to get your Covid-19 vaccination including booster jabs in Cambridgeshire