NHS teams visit West Midlands schools as thousands of young teens remain unvaccinated
Figures show over 200,000 12-15-year-olds in the Midlands are still un-jabbed
Last updated 4th Mar 2022
Young teens in the Midlands are being urged to get vaccinated as latest figures show that over 200,000 remain unprotected from COVID-19 in the region.
NHS teams are set to visit over 300 schools in the region this month, with an aim to make it more convenient for pupils aged 12 to 15 to get their vaccines in school.
In the East Midlands 64% (140,762) of 12–15-year-olds on average have had at least one dose of the COVID vaccine and 31% (69,008) are now double jabbed.
Over 60% on average (168,304) of 12–15-year-olds in the West Midlands have received a first dose and 27% (72,598) have now had their second dose.
12-15-year olds can still attend vaccination clinics throughout the Midlands out of school hours.
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) – independent experts who advise on vaccinations – have advised a second COVID vaccination three months on from their first.
Roz Lindridge, the NHS England and NHS Improvement director responsible for overseeing the vaccination programme across the Midlands, said:
“Vaccines remain our first line of defence against the virus, So, getting jabbed is one of the best ways we can protect ourselves and our communities as we learn to live with COVID-19. This is why local NHS teams will be visiting over 300 more schools this month, making it easier for pupils to get protected.
"We know that people can get COVID again and again and even if it doesn’t make them seriously ill, there’s still the risk of Long COVID or developing further complications.
“The NHS vaccination programme has proved pivotal in reducing the risk of severe infection and hospitalisations and the best step that people can take is to get vaccinated as we learn to live with the virus. It’s never too late to get started on your course of vaccinations if you’ve not already done so.”