A Colchester school boy has encouraged young people to get vaccinated against COVID-19 to protect their friends and family while getting his all-important second jab.
Children aged 12 to 15 are being vaccinated at East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT) over the festive bank holidays.
Dedicated family clinics, running today and tomorrow (27 and 28 December), were set up by teams in a matter of days as part of the national drive to protect as many people as possible against the new Omicron variant.
One youngster who couldn’t wait to have his second jab was Floyd Laidler.
He had his first dose in October at school – the Gilberd School in Colchester – and received his second vaccination at Colchester Hospital today.
Floyd, 13, receives his second COVID-19 vaccine
Floyd, 13, said: “I wanted to come in for my second vaccine today because I want to protect my family and friends and to try and stop transmission of the virus.
“I also have a dad with asthma and step-dad with multiple sclerosis so it’s important to me to keep them safe, and to also protect older people, like my nan and grandad.
“I feel safer in public knowing I’ve had the vaccine, and I would say to all young people to get it too because it stops you from getting seriously ill and protects your family and friends.”
Mike Meers is Director of Digital and Logistics at ESNEFT and is leading the Trust’s vaccination programme.
He said: “It’s great to see so many young people and their families taking up the offer to get vaccinated. It’s so important children receive their COVID-19 vaccinations so they can stay in school and enjoy meeting with friends and family safely.
“Our teams, and the entire NHS, are working at record speed to meet the new national mission to boost the COVID-19 vaccination programme and protect communities against the Omicron, as well as being there for those who need care urgently in our hospitals and in the community.
“I’d like to thank every single member of staff involved and encourage anyone who hasn’t received their first, second or booster dose of the vaccine to book their appointment now or drop into one of our vaccination hubs.”
Dr Angela Tillett, pictured below, is Chief Medical Officer and a consultant paediatrician at ESNEFT.
ESNEFT’s Chief Medical Officer Dr Angela Tillett
She said: “The vaccination programme is so important, and we are urging everyone, including children and young people, to get their COVID-19 vaccinations and booster as soon as they are eligible. This is vital for keeping everyone safe and well.
“Our vaccine hubs at Ipswich and Colchester Hospital are offering thousands of appointments to local people, and slots can be easily booked via the national booking system, or you can just walk in. All the team are happy to answer any questions and support in any way, so please encourage all your friends and family to come along for their vaccine.”
Where and when to go for your COVID-19 vaccinations?
To get vaccinated, simply drop into the vaccination hubs at Colchester and Ipswich hospitals between 8.30am and 7.30pm today (27 December) and tomorrow (28 December).
If you’re a parent or carer who would like your first, second or booster dose, we can give you your vaccines too.
If you or your child have recently tested positive for COVID-19, please note you’ll need to wait to have a vaccine.
- Children aged 12 to 15 need to wait 12 weeks from the date their symptoms started, or date of a positive PCR test
- High risk children aged 12 to 15 need to wait four weeks from the date their symptoms started, or date of a positive PCR test
- Adults need to wait 28 days from the date their symptoms started, or date of a positive PCR test
Booked appointments are available on the NHS website – get your family booked in and get vaccinated and protected together for the New Year.
Teenagers aged 16 to 17 are also welcome ESNEFT’s vaccination hubs for first and second doses, as well as over 18s for first, second and booster doses.
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