A thirty-second NHS clip will feature on big screens at cinemas across the South East of England to help raise awareness of the Covid-19 vaccine being available to children aged 5 to 11, with parental or carers consent.

Launched on 8 April and showing in over 60 different cinemas, including Vue, Cineworld and Odeon, the short ad will play ahead of movies including Sonic The Hedgehog 2. Static images taken from the advert will also be displayed in cinema foyers as well as numerous trampoline parks and soft play areas across the region, where families are expected to spend time this Easter.

The NHS wants to support families to make an informed choice, with the ad making reference to the GOV.UK website where factual information can be found on the vaccine and how to get it.

The vaccination roll-out to all 5 to11 year olds started on 4 April and within 48 hours of booking going live on the national booking service for this cohort a few days prior, thousands of appointments were booked.

In the South East, over 700,000 children in this age group will be eligible for two doses of the vaccine following updated JCVI guidance, which recommends children can benefit from a non-urgent offer of the vaccine.

With most schools having already started their Easter break, there are hundreds of sites open and able to vaccinate children aged 5 to 11. With local vaccination centres, community pharmacies offering appointments outside of school hours it couldn’t be easier to grab a jab. Appointments are available to book through the online booking service or by calling 119. You may also be contacted by your GP practice.

Sites are allowing for longer appointment times so that families can discuss their decisions and ensure visits with children are as stress-free as possible.

There are also convenient vaccine walk-ins across the region which families can find through the NHS grab a jab website.

NHS staff have already been vaccinating children aged 5 to 11 who have medical conditions that put them at increased risk from Covid-19 or who live with someone with a weakened immune system.

Caroline Reid, Regional Director of Commissioning and SRO for the Flu and Covid vaccination programme across the South East, said “NHS staff continue to work hard in the South East and across the country to deliver the Covid vaccine to all eligible groups, with 5 to 11s being the latest to start receiving theirs.

“The vaccine is safe and effective – it has been approved by the UK’s medicines regulator, to boost immunity and increase their protection against any future waves of COVID-19.”

She added: “Taking the vaccination campaign to the big screen at cinemas across the South East really is very exciting – and great to promote where families can go for more information and the facts on the Covid vaccine for children”.

Parents and guardians are being encouraged to read the patient and consent information in advance of booking their child’s appointment and will be asked to provide consent for their child’s vaccination on the day.