Covid jabs to be offered in secondary schools

Friday 19 November 2021

Covid jabs will be offered in secondary schools and colleges to eligible students aged 12 and over from Monday 29 November.

This latest phase of the vaccination programme is launching after Ministers approved a plan proposed by their scientific advisers.

Parents and carers of eligible students will receive information about the voluntary programme through their child’s school or college from today.

Parents of students aged between 12 and 15 need to return a consent form to school by Friday 26 November. Students aged 16 and over can complete the form themselves.

Children who have been infected with the virus will need to wait 12 weeks before they receive a vaccine jab as a precaution against a small risk of heart inflammation. 

The previous advice was four weeks but this has now been extended.

The Government say that should young people prefer to receive their covid vaccination alongside their parent or carer, appointments will remain available at Fort Regent outside school hours. 

Pictured: Deputy Medical Officer of Health Dr Ivan Muscat is writing to all parents, teachers and staff.

This includes walk-in appointments for first doses, and parents or carers do not need to book an appointment in advance.

Deputy Medical Officer of Health Dr Ivan Muscat said: “Vaccination brings great benefits by reducing your chances of catching covid and preventing illness. 

“A single dose of vaccine in children reduces the infection rate by 50%, and symptomatic infection by two thirds compared to unvaccinated children. 

“I am aware there are sometimes concerns when it comes to vaccinating children, but I would like to reassure parents that these vaccines are safe for young people. This reassurance is based on the experience of millions of doses given to children worldwide.

“By getting your child vaccinated, you are giving them a good defence against covid particularly as we see cases increasing in schools. 

“It is important that children are protected, not only for their health, but also so that they can remain in school with their friends rather than learning remotely. 

“I urge those who have not yet had their first vaccine to take this opportunity to get vaccinated at school.” 

Health Minister Deputy Richard Renouf said: “By last Sunday, 37% of 12- to 17-year-olds in Jersey had received one dose of a Covid vaccine. I am pleased that these islanders have come forward to have their vaccine and I urge them to encourage their friends and family to do the same.”

The Government has launched a publicity campaign alongside today’s announcement. This includes promoting vaccination in schools using TikTok videos, school assemblies, Parent Mail, social media and letters sent to all parents and staff by Dr Muscat.

The programme has been fully endorsed by Children’s Commission Deborah McMillan.

A decision on vaccinating even young children has not be made but Jersey will following the advice of the UK’s Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.

Dr Muscat said: “Vaccinating children of primary-school age has started in the United States, where 5-11 year-olds have been given jabs. 

“Trials there have shown it is perfectly safe and reasonable to vaccinate children at that age. The JVCI are reviewing the data as well as real-life experiences and we will follow what it recommends.”

This week, the JVCI recommended that 16 and 17-year-olds could receive a second dose of the vaccine. The Government said that it would make an announcement on this next week, as well as when boosters will be offered to islanders aged over 40.