Teens aged 16-17 in North Wales urged to come forward for their COVID-19 vaccine

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Adolescents aged 16 to 17 in North Wales are urged to show up for their COVID-19 vaccine.

Last week, following updated guidance from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunization (JCVI), the Welsh government announced that Wales’ COVID-19 vaccination program has been extended to 16-17 year olds .

Regional director of the Betsi Cadwaladr health council. Ffion Johnstone – said: ‘We are now encouraging teenagers aged 16-17 in North Wales to come forward for their first dose by pre-booking using our online reservation service, or attend one of our walk in sessions, for which no appointment is required.

“Parental consent to reserve or receive a first dose is not required, but people in this age group can be accompanied by an adult, if they wish. “

“JCVI said advice on when to give the second dose will come later.”

“Evidence from the COVID-19 outbreaks in North Wales shows that people in this age group are at a significantly increased risk of catching and transmitting the virus.”

“We have had an incredibly positive uptake of the vaccine among 18-29 year olds and we are confident that a large majority of 16-17 year olds will come forward for their vaccine and play their part to help us all. retain some of the freedoms that were recently restored following the easing of restrictions related to COVID-19. “

“We urge any young person between the ages of 16 and 17 who is not sure if they want to receive the vaccine to make an appointment and go to one of our walk-in clinics, so that we can take the time. discuss the benefits of vaccination and any concerns they might have, before making the decision to go ahead.

The board of health also stated that “IIn line with JCVI’s advice, ”it now sends out invitations to appointments to children between the ages of 12 and 15 who are at increased risk of becoming seriously ill with COVID-19.

This includes children with severe neurological disorders, Down syndrome, immunosuppression, and multiple or severe learning disabilities.

These children are contacted directly with an appointment.

They will not be able to book online or attend walk-in clinics.

Children and youth 12 to 17 years old living with an immunocompromised adult are also now eligible for their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

A parent / guardian can self-identify children aged between 12-15 who live with an immunocompromised adult using a Welsh Government website form. Details will be verified and a meeting invitation will be mailed.

Young Aged 16-17 living with an immunocompromised adult can make an appointment directly through our online reservation service, or attend one of our walk-in clinics.

They will be eligible for two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, it is therefore important that they identify in this category with the vaccinator, so we give them an appointment for a second dose.

If a 16-17 year old wants to attend a session with their parents, they can follow the same process as outlined above for 12-15 year olds.

Regarding the vaccine supply, the board of health said:

“The current supply of COVID-19 vaccine in Wales is primarily Pfizer BioNTech (and Moderna, which is currently not available in North Wales). “

“Starting this week, we will use the Pfizer vaccine for all first doses, regardless of age. “

“The small amount of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine remaining in our supply remains very effective, and there are no safety concerns with its use. “

“Over the next few weeks, we will continue to use it to deliver second doses, as it is always recommended that, whenever possible, the second dose be of the same brand as the first.”

“This approach is consistent with advice given by the Medicines and Health Products Regulatory Agency and the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunization. “

“This change was reflected in our online reservation service. “

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