With the start of the new academic year upon us, young people – aged 16 to 17-years-old - can #GrabAJab and help make sure a return to learning does not result in an increase in Covid-19 cases.
NHS Kent and Medway Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is working closely with partners in the educational sector to make sure students are able to access the Covid-19 vaccination as easily as possible.
Walk-in vaccination clinics for those aged 16 to 17 are taking place at schools and colleges across the county. By placing walk-in clinics at venues students are familiar with; the vaccination programme is delivering the Covid jab
The CCG is also working closely with Kent and Medway’s universities to provide walk-in clinics for their returning students, including those from overseas, as well as staff.
The clinics will take place in the first few weeks of the new academic year and will give people the opportunity to have their first or second doses. Additional clinics will be held later in the year for second doses.
CCG Chief Nurse Paula Wilkins said: “Schools, colleges and universities provide the perfect partnership when offering the Covid-19 vaccination to young people. They have venues familiar to students and that really helps us in reaching this age group.
“I’d like to thank the educational sector, which has - during a very busy time for it - provided invaluable support in helping us vaccinate many young people aged 16 and over.”
Across Kent and Medway, there continues to be a range of walk-in and bookable clinics for people eligible for the Covid-19 vaccine. You can find these at: www.kentandmedwayccg.nhs.uk/grabajab
A vaccination information helpline, 0330 320 4444, has been set up provide more information on the vaccine and answer any questions people may have. This is provided by Involve Kent, with translation available, if needed. You cannot book a vaccine using the helpline.
More than 2,400,000 doses of the Covid-19 vaccine have now been delivered at GP-led sites, large vaccination centres, community pharmacies and hospital hubs across Kent and Medway.
The National Booking Service (NBS) is open to anyone aged 18 or over, and to people within three months of their 18th birthday.
For more information about the vaccine programme in Kent and Medway, please visit www.kentandmedwayccg.nhs.uk/grabajab