From today, more venues across Hertfordshire are welcoming those aged 16 and 17 for walk-in coronavirus vaccine appointments.
Before today, those eager for their jabs could only go to Letchworth, or would have to venture to Watford Town Hall and Hemel Hempstead Hospital to be seen to.
Now the mass-vaccination centre Robertson House - in Six Hills Way, Stevenage - has been added to the list of venues accepting those as young as 16.
There are now 10 centres across Herts offering walk-in appointments to 16 and 17-year-olds, including Roche in Welwyn Garden City.
People in this age bracket can now be vaccinated following new guidance from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).
They do not need the consent of their parents or guardians to be vaccinated.
In addition, some GP practices will start to vaccinate 16 and 17-year-olds, and will contact people to book an appointment.
Practices may also offer walk-in sessions or special ‘grab-a-jab’ events.
Dr Jane Halpin, chief executive of the Hertfordshire and West Essex CCGs, said: “We’re inviting 16 and 17 year-olds to come forward as soon as possible for their vaccine so that they’re well protected in time for the autumn term.
"Even if you’ve had the virus, it’s important to get the vaccine to protect you and your loved ones.
"Our friendly staff are very experienced at supporting people who are nervous about being vaccinated and you can ask any questions you might have on the day. Do let staff know if you’re worried when you arrive at a vaccination centre, and if you’d like to bring someone along to support you, that’s absolutely fine.
“Young people can just turn up to one of the walk-in sessions across the area now or wait to be contacted by the NHS to book an appointment through a GP practice.”
Any 16 or 17 year-olds who are in an ‘at-risk’ group, or who are household contacts of someone who is immunosuppressed, will continue to be offered two doses of the vaccine.
For a full list of where walk-in slots are available, visit covid.healthierfuture.org.uk/events/vaccination-walk-in-clinic-times.
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