16-year-old encourages teens to grab a COVID jab
Date posted: 16th September 2021
As the biggest and most successful vaccination programme in NHS history expands further, 16-year-old Lemuella Chiumia is encouraging those aged between 16-17 years old to get protected from COVID-19. Lemuella had her vaccination during her enrolment at Runshaw College at a pop-up site and is now encouraging her peers to visit a walk-in at a day, time, and place that suits them.
Lemuella Chiumia said:
“I’ve had my COVID-19 vaccine today. It was quick and easy. I’m really pleased to have had it done.”
Anyone in the 16–17-year-old age group can now find their nearest centre through the ‘grab a jab’ NHS online walk-in finder, with more sites becoming available every day.
In August, NHS staff have delivered more than 111,311 first doses and 57,678 second doses to 16–24-year-olds.
This week it was announced that people aged 12 to 15 in England will be offered one dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. Healthy school-aged children aged 12 to 15 will primarily receive their COVID-19 vaccination in their school with alternative provision for those who are home schooled, in secure services or specialist mental health settings.
COVID-19 Vaccination Director for Lancashire and South Cumbria Jane Scattergood said:
“A big thank you to all the teenagers who have already come forward for their jabs. If you have not had yours yet, visit your local walk-in clinic or call 119 for an appointment. The vaccine is safe and effective, and I would urge anyone eligible, especially those 16 and 17-year-olds heading back into education or training, to get their life-saving jab.”
The National Booking Service is currently open to anyone aged 18 or over, and to people within three months of their 18th birthday.
Second doses are available to people over 18 who had their first dose eight weeks ago, in line with JCVI guidance.