Young people aged 12-17, from Hinckley and the surrounding areas, are invited to get their COVID-19 vaccine at specialist temporary clinics being held over the next three Fridays.

The clinics are all being held at Hinckley Leisure Centre, Argents Mead, from 3.15pm – 7.15pm on Fridays 3, 10 and 17 December.

These clinics provide young people with another opportunity to get the vaccine if they missed getting it at school, as well as enabling those young people who are eligible to get their second dose to have it – so long as they had their first vaccine more than 12 weeks ago.

Vaccinators are all specially trained to work with young people and strict safeguarding protocols will be followed. The vaccine used will be Pfizer-BioNTech. Healthy children who have tested positive for COVID-19 need to wait 12 weeks before they can have the vaccine.

Parents and guardians of 12-15-year-olds are advised to attend the vaccination with their children so consent can be obtained.

Caroline Trevithick, executive director of nursing, quality and performance at the Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland CCGs, said: “It is more important now than ever to take up the offer of the COVID-19 vaccine. With news of a new variant spreading at the same time as we are preparing to spend time with loved ones over the festive period, getting the vaccine will provide vital protection to those young people who receive it – and help to stop it spreading to others.

“Although young people may not get as severe symptoms of the virus as adults, it can still result in a nasty illness which is highly contagious.

“Please also remember the importance of good hand hygiene, keeping your distance, wearing face coverings when required and opening windows to let in fresh air this winter.”

Both pre-booked and limited walk-in appointments are available. Book an appointment in advance.

Please note this clinic is not available on the National Booking Service website.

If you’d like to understand more about the benefits of young people receiving the vaccine, watch Dr Wadhwa’s short video on YouTube:

Find out more about vaccinations for young people on our parent information page.