The Director of Public Health for Plymouth is advising families of children aged 12 to 15 to book their COVID-19 vaccine at Home Park this half term, following a rise in case numbers across the city.
Locally, the number of positive cases have started to increase – with a current incident rate of 462 per 100,000 head of population for the last seven days. This is now higher than the England average of 440 per 100,000, and lower than South West average of 628 per 100,000. At the same time, the hospital is seeing an increase of COVID linked admissions.
In Plymouth the highest proportion of positive COVID-19 cases can be seen in the younger aged population (11 to 16 year olds), many of whom are yet to be vaccinated. Most of the cases are linked to outbreaks in schools and in education settings.
The result of this increase is a disruption to learning for the rising number of young people who test positive and are not able to be physically in school. It also raises the risk of COVID-19 spreading to other people in the household.
The Coronavirus vaccinations could help reduce some of this disruption, with healthy children aged 12 to 15 now being offered a single dose of the vaccine to give them the best protection against COVID-19. Over the past few weeks, the NHS has been visiting schools across the city vaccinating this age group. However, to ensure that this age group can be vaccinated as soon as possible, from today (22 October) appointments can also be booked, outside of school, on the NHS booking service – currently open only to those aged 16 and up. This will enable young people to get a jab at a vaccination centre in the same way as adults can.
In Plymouth, Home Park will be offering pre-booked appointments for 12 to 15 year olds. Young people will need to attend their appointment with a parent or carer.
Ruth Harrell, Director of Public Health for Plymouth, said: "I know that many parents share my concerns at the high rates of Covid in our children, many of whom haven’t had the chance to be vaccinated yet – and so I welcome the news that young people can book in to the vaccination centre.
“The Government has made it clear that while children and young people are not at as much risk from Covid-19 as adults, offering them the vaccine should help reduce transmission within school and keep more children in the classroom. It will also help to protect friends, family and members of the wider community who may be more vulnerable to Covid-19.
“I’d encourage parents to talk with their child about the decision and why the Chief Medical Officers are recommending that the vaccine is being offered to them.
"For the rest of our city, it is important that everyone plays their part and helps keep our communities safe. Over the half-term break I urge everyone to:
- Remember hands, face, space and fresh air.
- Take a rapid test regularly and stop the spread of infection to others unknowingly.
- Get vaccinated as soon as you can, make sure you have your second dose (and your booster if eligible).
"I know that some people on social media will say I am a broken record, and it is time to move on. Well – it isn’t time. I will stop when COVID-19 stops being a threat to our lives.”