NHS teams in the North East and Yorkshire are set to visit almost 250 schools in the coming weeks, making it more convenient for young people aged 12 to 15 years to get their second dose of Covid-19 vaccine.

More than 440 schools have already been visited by the region’s vaccination teams following Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) advice that a second Covid jab three months after the first offers the best protection against the virus for children aged 12 to 15.

Dr Yvette Oade, the NHS region’s clinical lead for the Covid-19 vaccination programme, said getting the vaccine ensures young people are protected against the virus, helping to keep them in school.

“It’s great to see our vaccination teams will visit a further 248 schools in the North East and Yorkshire ahead of the Easter holiday and this activity makes it easier than ever for young people to get their second dose,” Dr Oade said. “Vaccination remains our first line of defence against the Covid-19 virus and is one of the best ways we can protect ourselves, and our communities, as we learn to live with the virus.”

Almost 110,000 young people aged 12 to 15 in this region have been double-jabbed so far – two months after the vaccination programme started to roll out second doses to this age group. Regionally and nationally, NHS teams have been jabbing young people since they started rolling out first doses at the end of September – within 48 hours of the government accepting the UK chief medical officer’s recommendation to offer the vaccine to these ages.

Alongside the school service, 12 to 15s can also be vaccinated at Covid sites across the region. Parents and guardians are asked to attend vaccination sites with their children if they are getting jabbed outside school. Families may also be accommodated in the out-of-school services. Young people aged 12 to 15 can also get their second dose at walk-in sites.

Children who have had Covid must wait 12 weeks after infection until they can be vaccinated, in line with JCVI guidance. Clinically at-risk 12- to 15-year-olds, or those who live with someone who is immunosuppressed, are also entitled to a booster three months after their two primary doses.

To book your Covid vaccination visit the National Booking Service, use the NHS online walk-in finder to find the nearest walk-in site, or call the free 119 phone line.

The NHS has delivered a total of 17.8 million doses regionally at hubs and pop-up sites, including 4.9 million vital booster jabs, in the largest and fastest vaccine drive in NHS history.