PRESS RELEASE (20.8.21) Vaccination begins for 16 and 17 year olds
We are sharing the following press release on behalf of NHS Sussex Commissioners regarding the roll out of vaccinations for 16-17 year olds
"Vaccination begins for 16 and 17 year olds
Thousands of invites are going out to 16 and 17 year olds in Sussex this week so that they can benefit from the all-important protection needed to prevent severe illness from COVID-19.
People in this age group can get their vaccination by attending a walk-in session or by waiting to be contacted by their GP or local vaccination service to arrange an appointment.
Some vaccination centres in Sussex are already open for walk ins including Eastbourne and Chichester, and walk in sessions will start in Brighton next week.
Further announcements will be made when walk in sessions become available.
Check if a site is available near you on the Sussex Health and Care Partnership Website.
Local GP led vaccination services will also be arranging booked appointments for 16 to 17 year olds, and they will be contacting everyone on their registered lists in the coming days.
Vaccination is also being offered to children aged 12 to 15 who have a higher risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19 or who live with someone at high risk of catching it. Children and their parents in this group will be contacted by their GP practice or a vaccination service to book their vaccination appointments.
A spokesperson for Sussex COVID-19 Vaccination Programme said:
“We are delighted that walk in vaccinations have started for the 16 and 17 year olds, and we are already starting to see them come forward for their vaccine.
“GP led local vaccination services are holding their sessions for these groups in the coming days and are directly contacting the 16 and 17 year olds they have registered with them. Please come forward when you are offered an appointment.
“While we know that the majority of younger people aged 16 -17 aren’t at risk of severe illness if they catch COVID-19 themselves, we do know that infection rates among this group have been increasing, so vaccinating them to get their all-important protection before they go back to school, college or begin work, and stop the spread in our communities.
“Don’t worry if you are unsure or have questions about the vaccine, there is lots of information available online to help you know what to expect. The doctors and nurses working at the vaccination centres will be able to answer any questions you might have when you get there.”
If you have a question about the Sussex COVID-19 vaccination programme please take a look at our frequently asked questions If you can’t find the answer, you can the contact the Vaccination Enquiries Team on vaccineenquiries@nhs.net, or 0800 433 4545 (open 9am – 4pm, Monday to Friday).
Eligibility for the COVID vaccine
Anyone aged 16 and over is now eligible for the vaccine.
People aged between 16 – 17 will be offered the Pfizer vaccine.
People aged between 18 – 40 will be offered Moderna or Pfizer vaccines.
People aged 40+ can have any vaccine, including Oxford-AstraZeneca.
Some children aged 12 – 16 are now eligible for the vaccine - you will be contacted directly to arrange vaccination.
Everyone should leave an eight week gap between first and second doses. Second doses will only be given after eight weeks since the first dose. Second dose vaccinations should be the same as the first. Please check which vaccine is being administered before attending a walk in session for your second dose.
About Sussex Health and Care Partnership
The Sussex Health and Care Partnership is an integrated care system involving all NHS organisations and the local councils that look after public health and social care. We take collective action to improve the health of local people, to improve the quality of health and care services and to ensure we make the most efficient use of our resources.
Across Sussex, the NHS and local councils are working together to improve health and care.
Sussex Health and Care Partnership Integrated Care System is collaboratively leading on the COVID-19 vaccination programme to ensure as many people as possible receive the protection they need from the virus.
