16 and 17 year olds in the East Midlands are being urged to get their NHS COVID jab this weekend ahead of the new term.

Walk in vaccination sites are available all weekend and people can find their nearest site at Find a walk-in coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination site – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Sites in the East Midlands include the Wigston Campus, Leicester (part of North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College), Forest Recreation Ground in Nottingham, Lincolnshire Showground and Midland House, Nelson Street in Derby.

All 107,580 eligible16 and 17 year olds across the East Midlands are being offered the first dose of the vaccine, under the guidance issued by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). Over 42,000 16 and 17 year olds have already received their first dose of the vaccine.

While children and young people can get coronavirus, there are fewer cases compared to adults and symptoms are usually mild.

Alison Tonge, the NHS England and NHS Improvement director responsible for overseeing the vaccination programme across the Midlands, said:

“I would urge anyone who hasn’t yet been vaccinated to come forward to get the very best protection before the autumn and winter and younger people to have their first dose recommended by experts before schools, colleges and universities reopen in September.

“COVID-19 vaccines are saving thousands of lives and building a wall of defence against the virus. So, getting your vaccine is the best way to protect yourself, your friends and your family while getting back to doing the things you love.

“The vaccine is safe and effective, and I urge anyone eligible of any age to come forward and take up the offer.”

Everyone aged 16 or over is eligible for a lifesaving COVID-19 jab and the NHS is urging people to come forward as soon as possible. Either by walking in to a site nearby found at Find a walk-in coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination site – NHS (www.nhs.uk) or for people aged 17 ¾ and over, booking via nhs.uk or calling 119.