Covid Vaccines Offered In Schools

Covid vaccinations are being given out in schools again starting this Friday.

Students are being given letters and leaflets to take home today, informing parents of the rollout in secondary schools and colleges.

They were previously offered by 13 schools in December, which the government says led to a 10% increase in takeup among eligible under 18s.

Parents will have to give permission for 12-15 year-olds to be jabbed, while students over 16 can choose for themselves.

Around half of eligible 12-15 year-olds, and nearly two thirds of 16 and 17-year-olds had been given a first dose of the vaccine.

The Education Minister says he hopes it will make it easier for young people to get fully vaccinated:

"I would like to offer my thanks to parents, teachers and students who have shared their feedback to help inform the second rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination in schools.

Deputy Scott Wickenden, Jersey's Minister for Children and Education

I hope that this further rollout will allow children to easily get their second doses if they have not already done so, or their booster doses if eligible.

Additionally, it is not too late for those who missed out on getting their first doses last time to get their first dose this time around. Those who would prefer to get their vaccination at Fort Regent can continue to go without a booked appointment."

Jersey's Deputy Medical Officer of Health, Dr Ivan Muscat, says it is important for young people to be vaccinated if they are able to:

"Two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine is universally recommended to children aged 12 and over, and booster doses are recommended to all children aged 16 and over. Being up to date with your vaccination schedule is vital to reduce your chance of catching COVID-19, and preventing severe illness which may lead to hospitalisation or Long Covid.

Deputy Medical Officer of Health, Dr Ivan Muscat

"Just a single dose of vaccine in children reduces the infection rate by around 50% and reduces symptomatic infection by two thirds compared to unvaccinated children. I am aware of the concerns when it comes to vaccinating children, but I would like to reassure parents and carers once again that these vaccines are proven to be safe for young people not just in trials but in real life with millions of doses of the vaccine now having been given to children worldwide."