Parents encouraged to book child vaccinations over half-term

Earlier this week (Monday 25 October) all children aged 12 to 15 years old in England became eligible to have their COVID jabs at national NHS vaccination centres.

Previously, the NHS children’s vaccination programme was only being rolled-out in schools, meaning that some children missed the opportunity to get their vaccinations if they were off school on the day that the vaccination team visited.

Now, eligible children in Darlington can have their vaccinations locally at the Darlington Arena Vaccination Centre by booking an appointment on the NHS website or by phoning 119.

Penny Spring, the Director of Public Health at Darlington Borough Council, is encouraging parents and carers of eligible children to make the most of this opportunity during the half-term break.

She said: “It’s fantastic news that children can now get their COVID jabs locally at the Darlington Arena Vaccination Centre, making it easier to have their jabs at a time that suits them best.

“By booking an appointment at the Arena this week, you can ensure that your child has had their vaccination ahead of returning to school for the autumn/winter term and has taken the opportunity to protect themselves, their friends and their families against COVID.”

Appointments must be booked for eligible children to meet the NHS consent requirements; they cannot attend any walk-in clinics at the Arena to have their vaccinations.

 To book an appointment at the Darlington Arena Vaccination Centre, visit the NHS online booking service at https://bit.ly/BookVaxN or phone 119.

Appointments at the Darlington Arena Vaccination Centre will still be available to book beyond the half-term break.