Swanage Medical Practice, along with GP surgeries across Purbeck is sending out letters this week, inviting young people aged 16 and 17 and those aged between 12 and 15 who are at high risk from Covid-19, to get the jab at Wareham Hospital.
In line with recently issued Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) guidance, young people aged 16 to 17 will be offered a Pfizer jab.
A small number of children aged 12 to 15 who are clinically vulnerable to Covid-19 or who live with adults who are at increased risk of serious illness from the virus are also being invited to get the Pfizer vaccine.
Organised by the Purbeck Primary Care Network
The rollout locally is being organised by the Purbeck Primary Care Network which consists of Swanage Medical Practice, Corfe Castle Surgery, Wareham Surgery, Bere Regis Surgery, Sandford Surgery and The Wellbridge Practice.
Young people or their parents or guardians are being asked not to contact their GP surgery at this time, as their surgery will contact them.
However patients are being reminded to update their contact and mobile details so that eligible young people and children can be invited for the jab.
“The letter will give a booked appointment time”
Purbeck Primary Care Network clinical director, Dr David Haines said:
“The plan is to send a letter to every 16 and 17 year old who has not already received a ‘covid vaccination’. The letter will give a booked appointment time and ask that the young person either confirm they will attend or rebook, if the appointment is not convenient.
“We need confirmation, as many of the cohort will be away from home enjoying a holiday.
“The letters will be sent out this week, with appointments for next week. The confirmation will be through our vaccination hub at Wareham Hospital where the vaccines will be given.
“The practice at which the young person is registered will be unable to give appointments or change an appointment, so it will be essential to use the phone number given in the letter.”
“We thank families and carers for supporting us”
Dorset GP and clinical lead for the Covid-19 vaccination programme in Dorset, Dr Andy Rutland said:
“We are now working across Dorset to roll out the vaccine to 16 and 17 year olds, and younger children aged 12 and over who are at high risk from Covid-19.
“We thank families and carers for supporting us with this programme and ensuring we offer the vaccine to all those for whom it is appropriate.”
The Bournemouth International Centre Covid-19 vaccination centre
One million doses of the vaccine
Meanwhile, teenagers within three months of turning 18 can also now book their vaccine appointment online at community pharmacies and large vaccination centres like the Bournemouth International Centre, through the National Booking Service or by calling 119.
More than one million doses of the vaccine have now been delivered in Dorset.
Further information
- Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) guidance on Covid-19 vaccination of young people aged 16 to 17
- Public Health England has published information for eligible children and young people on what to expect after Covid-19 vaccination
