COVID-19 vaccine offered locally to children

Parents and carers of 5- to 11-year olds in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin can now book a COVID-19 vaccine for their children.

With schools across the county breaking up for the Easter holidays next week, sites – including the Vaccination Centre at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital (RJAH) in Oswestry, Coral House in Shrewsbury, Teldoc in Telford and  Turreff Hall in Donnington – started to provide vaccinations from earlier this week for this age range, with more local sites coming online throughout the coming days.

The majority of vaccines for 5- to 11-year-olds will take place at local vaccination centres or community pharmacies outside of school hours, and are available to book through the online booking service or by calling 119.

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.

The NHS will also be sending out invites over the next few weeks to let parents and guardians know they can now book in for a vaccine, and some people will be invited by their GP teams.

8-year-old James Jennings-Preece from Shropshire was one of the first children in the county to have his vaccine.

He said: “I’m really happy I’ve had mine, I didn’t feel a thing when I had it. It now means I am protected and other people are.”

James’ mum Karla Jennings-Preece, Operational Manager for the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, said: “As a family it’s a real relief to know that our children will be protected thanks to the rollout of the vaccine to healthy 5-11 year olds.

“James couldn’t wait to have his vaccine and really understands why it’s so important, especially in terms of protecting the people around him. I’m very proud of him for rolling up his sleeve and getting it done.”