Covid-19 vaccinations are now being offered to young people in Gloucestershire, with parents being encouraged to have their children vaccinated to help control the spread of the virus.
With making an informed decision based on information from trusted sources being of the utmost importance, SoGlos shares some of the reasons to consider getting 12 to 15-year-olds vaccinated against Covid-19 according to Gloucestershire County Council in this hot list.
Covid-19 vaccines are safe and effective for young people
One dose of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine is safe and effective for 12 to 15-year-olds, with the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency and the government’s independent advisory body, the Commission on Human Medicines, both having reviewed the safety, quality and effectiveness of the vaccine in this age group.
There are checks at every stage in the development and manufacturing process of all vaccines, as well as continued monitoring even after a vaccine has been authorised for use in the wider population – so safety is always being reviewed.
Vaccines are the best way to protect children from serious illness due to Covid-19
While Covid-19 symptoms are mild for most young people, the virus can still be a horrible experience for some – and there is still a risk of becoming seriously ill or suffering from complications associated with the virus.
Vaccination is the best way to protect children from serious illness associated with Covid-19.
One dose can reduce the risk of spreading of Covid-19
Just one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine for 12 to 15-year-olds can significantly reduce the risk of them transmitting the virus to others, which helps to protect people at greater risk of becoming seriously ill – such as elderly grandparents, or those with underlying health conditions.
Getting the Covid-19 vaccine will reduce the spread in schools
Schools have been a particular hotspot for Covid-19 infections since fully reopening. Vaccinating school-aged children will reduce the spread, so schools can stay open, children can continue to see their friends and access the education they need and deserve – helping with their mental health and wellbeing too.
Children should still be vaccinated, even if they’ve had Covid-19
Even if children have had confirmed or suspected Covid-19 in the past, there are no safety concerns around getting them vaccinated, as unvaccinated children can still carry and pass on the virus, even if they’ve had Covid-19 already. As long as they are 12 weeks clear of having a positive Covid-19 test, they’re eligible to have the vaccination.
Covid-19 vaccinations don’t affect future fertility
Some parents may have concerns about their children’s future fertility after being vaccinated, but there’s no evidence to suggest being vaccinated against Covid-19 affects people’s chances of becoming pregnant.
The Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine is safe for people who are pregnant and you can’t catch Covid-19 or pass it onto your baby from having a vaccine. The Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca vaccines are all safe for those who are breastfeeding too, with the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines recommended for those under 40.
Gloucestershire has a school-based Covid-19 vaccination programme
Most 12 to 15-year-olds in Gloucestershire will receive their Covid-19 vaccination at school. The School Age Immunisation Service from the Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust will be visiting schools in the county during the autumn term to offer all children aged 12 to 15 a single dose of the Pfizer vaccine. It will also make arrangements for children who are home schooled.
Parents will need to consent to their children having the vaccine in the same way they do for all other school vaccination programmes, with letters being sent out with the date the vaccination team will be at your child’s school and a link to an online consent form.
Some Gloucestershire GP-led Primary Care Network vaccination sites will also be running drop-in vaccination clinics for 12 to 15-year-olds throughout November 2021, with dates advertised on the Gloucestershire NHS Covid-19 information portal.
