Walk in vaccination centres planned for 12-15 year olds as COVID infections soar

According to various sources, walk-in vaccine clinics for 12- to 15-year-olds are expected to be established in England within weeks.

The move comes amid concern that the vaccine roll-out is not happening fast enough for school children, who risk missing out on in-person lesson time ahead of the exam season next year.

Last week, the UK recorded 45,140 new Covid cases – the highest daily number since the middle of July – and 57 new deaths within 28 days of a positive test.

The percentage of Britons testing positive for coronavirus is currently highest for those aged 12-15, yet the vaccination rate stands at just 14.2% in England, compared with 44.3% in Scotland.

Older teenagers in England can already attend walk-in clinics to receive their first dose of Covid-19 vaccine, with 56.5% of 16- to 18-year-olds now vaccinated. The expansion of the scheme to younger teenagers would bring England into line with Scotland, where 12- to 15-year-olds can also attend walk-in clinics.

Around 8.10 per cent of secondary school aged children tested positive for the virus in the week to Wednesday (13th October), according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Though the Joint Committee on Vaccinations and Immunisation (JCVI) refused to give the go ahead for under-16s widely receiving the jabs, because there were just “marginal” health benefits.

However, the JCVI noted that the jabs had a material advantage in helping keep children in school, following an extending period of home learning.