As half-term approaches, NHS Covid-19 vaccination leaders in the North East and Yorkshire are urging students, and their families, to get vital protection against Covid-19.

Many vaccination services across the region are increasing the number of clinics and pop-up sites to make it even easier for young people and their families to get jabbed during this month’s school and college break.

Dr Jonathan Slade, Medical Director – System Improvement and Professional Standards (pictured), said: “The half-term holiday is a great opportunity for young people and their families to get vaccinated against Covid.

“There are three good reasons to get your life-saving vaccination – to project yourself, to protect other people and for the reduced disruption to your daily life. Our offer is evergreen, always there for you, and I encourage anyone who isn’t vaccinated, or is still to get their second dose or booster, to get jabbed.”

Examples of Covid-19 vaccination opportunities this half-term are

• Drop-in clinics across Sheffield for young people, aged 12 to 15, to have their Covid-19 vaccinations will be available during half-term (14 to 18 February). Young people should attend with their parent or carer. If you wish to visit, Sheffield Children’s Vaccinations Team will run clinics (9.30am to 3.30pm) at St Columba’s Church S10 5PL on Monday 14 Feb; Handsworth Methodist Church S13 9BN on Tuesday 15th; SOAR at The Learning Zone S5 8NL on Wednesday 16th; Shortbrook Family Centre S20 8FB on Thursday 17th; Sharrow Community Forum S7 1DB on Friday 18th. Or for an appointment call 0114 305 3230 or email scn-tr.sheffielddutysn.vacandimm@nhs.net
• The new ‘vaccinate Hull and East Riding’ website details vaccination centres in Hull and East Riding of Yorkshire (ERY), along with opening times and age groups – with lots of clinics vaccinating from age 12. Princes Quay Vaccination Centre in Hull will be open for booked and walk-in appointments, for eligible people over 12 years every day in half-term (21 to 25 February). Registered nurses will give advice and answer questions. Dedicated clinics for eligible 5- to 11-year-olds will run at locations across Hull and ERY. Meanwhile, people without transport may take advantage of free transport from East Yorkshire Buses. To qualify please show proof of your official appointment notification. Visit East Yorkshire buses website for details.
• Trinity Shopping Centre at Albion Street in Leeds will open every day during half-term (w/c 21 February), plus every Saturday this month, between 10am and 4.30pm. Vaccination sessions for 12- to 15-year-olds, and over-16s, are available at One Navigation Walk in Wakefield – visit Wakefield CCG website for details. John Smith’s Stadium, Huddersfield: Monday 21st to Thursday 24 February, 9am to 3pm (until 7pm Tuesday 22nd). St Luke’s Hospital in Bradford (BD5 0NA) will run a family clinic every Saturday, 9am to 4pm, and Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm, during half-term (from Monday 21 February).
• In the North East and North Cumbria schools will share information with pupils and parents about vaccination opportunities over half-term (from 21 February). There will be 57 walk-in sites, 75 sites at which an appointment can be made through the National Booking Service (NBS) while primary care networks will invite eligible people attend at almost 60 sites.

More than 17,000 16- and 17-year-olds in the North East and Yorkshire are eligible for their top-up dose, with almost 8,000 booster jabs delivered so far. For children aged 12 to 15 years, just over half of the 118,000 in this region have received two doses of the Pfizer jab.

Getting the vaccine takes just a few minutes and, for 16- and 17-year-olds, it’s never been easier. You just need to visit the NBS or call 119 to book. There are also convenient vaccine walk-in options which you can find on www.nhs.uk/grab-a-jab You don’t need to be registered with a GP practice or have an NHS number to get your jab at a walk-in site, but it will be quicker if you do, so take that information with you if you can. The finder shows which doses are offered at each location and to which age groups.

Almost 18 million Covid vaccination doses have now been given in North East and Yorkshire, including 4.8 million booster and third doses, in the largest and fastest vaccine drive in NHS history.

Latest figures also confirm just over one million adults in the North East and Yorkshire remain unvaccinated against Covid, while more than 630,000 people aged under 40 have not yet received their booster jab. Latest data from the UK Health Security Agency shows that shortly after getting a booster you are 85% less likely to end up in hospital than if you are unvaccinated.