Coronavirus: Vaccination
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we now have a strong vaccination programme which is helping to save the lives of many people. Not sure whether to be vaccinated or have any concerns about it? Find out more here!
There has been a lot of news recently about getting vaccinated against COVID-19 and it can be confusing to understand all of this. In summary:


  • Young people aged 12-15 can have their 1st and 2nd doses of the vaccine.
    • This can also be done by booking an appointment or going to a walk in centre. Some schools are also vaccinating their students in school, and you can find out more about this by speaking to your school for more information.

  • Children aged 11 and under are not currently able to have their vaccine in England, unless they or someone they live with are vulnerable to COVID-19.

For more information, we recommend that you check the following links:

FAQ

1. What are the side effects of the vaccines?
The most common side effects of the vaccine are:
  • a sore arm from the injection
  • feeling tired
  • headaches
  • feeling achy / sick
While these are unpleasant, they are not as bad as the symptoms of coronavirus itself. More information about vaccine side effects can be found here.

2. How safe is the vaccine?
The COVID-19 vaccinations have been tested on thousands of people from all different backgrounds, and have been found to have very few serious side effects following these tests. Millions of people around the world have since been vaccinated, and the vast, vast majority remain healthy following their vaccination.

3. The vaccine was made really quickly, how do we know that it works?
After the introduction of the coronavirus vaccination programme, numbers of new cases have fallen daily, which suggests that people are less able to spread it than before, which is a very strong indicator that vaccination is reducing the transmission of the virus.

4. Why can't children under 11 be vaccinated yet and why can't 12-15 year olds have their booster doses?
The government and other related groups have evaluated the risks and benefits of vaccinating these groups, and have found that, currently, it is more beneficial to not vaccinate yet than to do so. However, this does not make the vaccine unsafe for groups that it has been recommended for.


While it is ultimately your choice whether or not to take the COVID-19 vaccination, it is strongly recommended by the government and NHS that you do. More information about anything covered here can be found on the NHS website here.
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