16 and 17 year olds are now eligible to receive Covid-19 vaccines in Herefordshire.

The Covid-19 vaccination is now being offered to anyone over the age of 16, as part of the next step in the NHS vaccination programme.

Dr Ian Tait, Chair for NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire CCG, said: “It’s great news that 16-17 year olds are now being offered the vaccine.

"This will mean that younger people can receive maximum protection against Covid-19 in advance of the new school or college year giving the best opportunity to enjoy as normal anexperience as possible.

“I would encourage everyone who is eligible for a Covid-19 vaccination to take the opportunity to protect themselves and others by having the vaccine when it is offered.

“If you have not yet taken up the vaccine offer, you can still book your appointments via the National Booking System or attend one of the many Grab a Jab walk-in sessions offered across the two counties.

“Remember also that it is essential that you attend for your second vaccination in order to provide you with longer term immunity to Covid-19.”

16 and 17 year olds can simply walk-in to one of the Grab a Jab sessions. The locations andtimes for these can be found here on the NHS postcode finder Search - Find a walk-incoronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination site (www.nhs.uk).

People aged 39 and under who are eligible and pregnant women will be offered the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine in line with updated JCVI guidance.

Anyone who has not yet taken up the offer of vaccination or had their first vaccination more than 8 weeks ago can book an appointment online at nhs.uk/CovidVaccine or visit a local walk-in site.

The public are reminded that face coverings are required in all healthcare settings across the country and social distancing measures remain in place in our local NHS services.