Teens urged to come forward for COVID-19 vaccine
16 and 17-year-olds across the Black Country and West Birmingham are being encouraged to come forward for their COVID-19 vaccination as soon as possible.
Text messages and letters have been sent out by Black Country and West Birmingham Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) to all eligible teenagers from the area, with walk-in appointments now available at selected vaccination sites.
16 and 17-year-olds will receive one dose of the Pfizer vaccine, and those who turn 18 within three months of having the vaccine will also be eligible to get a second dose.
Students from Walsall College have recorded videos of their thoughts on the vaccination, to encourage others their age who have not yet come forward for their first dose to consider getting the jab.
Madi Longmore, aged 16, is a student at Walsall College and has already had her COVID-19 vaccine. She said: “I didn’t only have the vaccine to protect myself, but also to protect my entire family, the people I work with and the people I come to college with.”
Alex,16, also from Walsall College, said: “Since starting my new job I feel as though it’s my priority and responsibility to protect those around me and get the vaccine.”
Another student, Kelsey Downing,16, who is planning on getting her vaccine said: “I did actually have COVID, I’m over it now and I’m actually planning on getting the vaccine this week. I cannot wait, I’m going to protect my grandparents, I’m going to protect my mom who is vulnerable. It’s safe, it’s reliable and I cannot wait.”
