Vaccination centres across Bath and North East Somerset are holding extra clinics for children of secondary school age this half term.

Bath Racecourse has additional walk in clinics planned to help older children get vaccinated during the school holidays. Two doses of the coronavirus vaccine are needed to fully protect children aged between 12 and 15-years-old against Covid-19.

Gill May, Director of Nursing and Quality, said: “Getting our young people protected against Covid-19 not only helps to keep children safe, but also reduces the risk of the virus spreading in schools.

“We know that many children are due to receive a

vaccine at their school in the coming weeks, but these

additional clinics mean families do not have to wait any longer than is necessary.

“Sites will also be providing first jabs for any young people who have so far held off from having the vaccine, and I’d encourage any parents whose children are worried about vaccination to speak openly with them about their concerns, or to bring them to a clinic so they can have an informal chat with one of our friendly clinicians.”

Bath Racecourse will be offering vaccinations for 12 to 15-year-olds on every day of the half term holidays,

including weekends. Details of all local vaccination venues, including which are offering walk-in appointments, can be found online at: www.nhs.uk or over the phone by calling 119.

Further information about the rollout of the Covid-19 vaccine locally is also available at: www.bswccg.nhs.uk