Parents and carers in Croydon can book a Covid-19 vaccination for 12-15 year olds during the schools’ half-term this October using the national booking system for the first time, and reduce the risk of them becoming seriously ill with the virus.
Starting on Saturday 23rd October, they will have the opportunity to book an appointment on the national system and take their child to a local vaccination centre at Centrale Shopping Centre, 21 North End, Croydon, CR0 1TY and Valley Park Surgery, Croydon, CR0 4YD.
Croydon’s 12-15 year olds can also get vaccinated in neighbouring boroughs during the half-term, when a parent or carer books their appointment. The following centres are offering these vaccinations:
• Hawks Road Health Clinic, Kingston-upon-Thames, KT1 3EW
• Centre Court Shopping Centre, Wimbledon, 4 Queen’s Rd, London, SW19 8YE
• St Nicholas Shopping Centre, Sutton, 3 St Nicholas Way, Sutton, SM1 1AY
• Roehampton Vaccination Centre, QMH Carpark Queen Mary’s Hospital, Roehampton Lane, London SW15 5PN
• The Wilson Hospital, Mitcham, CR4 4LD
The Covid-19 vaccination programme is open to all 12-15 year olds and it will continue in Croydon schools at the start of the new term, consistent with other school-based vaccination programmes.
Rachel Flowers, Croydon Council’s director of public health, said: “The Covid-19 vaccination aims to protect young people from Covid-19, to reduce outbreaks in schools and to protect friends and family against the virus. Allowing parents and carers to use the national vaccine booking system will make it easier for them to protect their child’s health and wellbeing. It will also be reassuring for many parents and carers to be able to attend their child’s appointment outside of school hours.
“We encourage anyone who still has questions about the Covid-19 vaccine to speak to a health professional at a local vaccination site so that you can make the right decision for you and your family.”
Everyone aged over 16 and eligible for a Covid-19 vaccination is being urged to have their first and second dose as soon as possible. When enough people get vaccinated, it’s harder for a disease to spread to those who can’t have vaccines. You can still book your vaccine appointment online or visit a walk-in or pop-up clinic in Croydon. Find out more here.
It is particularly important for people aged over 50 to get their flu jab and the Covid-19 booster jab when offered to boost their immunity to tackle these viruses as winter approaches. Visit the NHS website for all the information you need.