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Push For More To Get Vaccinated Before Schools Return

A quarter of 16 and 17-year-olds in Jersey have had a first coronavirus vaccine dose.

Appointments opened for this age group opened on 5 August.

81% of all adults are fully vaccinated, with 86% having at least one dose.

65% of 18 to 29-year-olds have also had one jab, with 87% of over 30s now double-jabbed.

Vaccine experts in the UK have advised that a booster programme could start in mid-September to protect the most vulnerable ahead of winter.

Final details have yet to be confirmed.

"We are now in the final stages of preparing for Stage 7 of the Reconnection Roadmap, when the last remaining Covid restrictions will be lifted on the 26 August. This is largely due to the defence that the vaccine has provided and continues to provide to the community. 

"I’d like to encourage those Islanders who have not yet had their first dose, or who need to attend for the second dose, to book an appointment or walk-in for a vaccine at the Vaccination Centre. This is particularly important for those 16 and 17-year-old Islanders who have recently become eligible for a first dose; getting vaccinated now will provide the best protection ahead of schools returning." - Senator Lyndon Farnham, Deputy Chief Minister.

12 to 15-year-olds with underlying conditions and those who live with someone who has a weakened immune system are also now eligible to get a first dose of the Pfizer vaccine.

"I’d like those young Islanders to encourage their friends to get vaccinated too, particularly ahead of the restrictions being lifted on the 26 August and before going back to school in a couple of weeks time. Islanders can guarantee an appointment by booking, or are welcome to just walk-in for their first or second dose at the Vaccination Centre. Islanders only need to spare approximately 20 minutes to get vaccinated and will then afford themselves good protection against Covid and Long Covid."  Becky Sherrington, Head of the Vaccination Programme.

Schools will return on the second week of September.

A plan for reopening schools, given that most school children are not vaccinated, is due to be shared before the end of this month.

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