Select a region
Nearly 500 islanders have taken the opportunity to 'Rock Up' at pop-up clinics around the island and get a covid jab.
The initiative, which has seen mobile vaccination units stationed at areas ranging from the Royal Square to Springfield, The Kiosk and St. Brelade's Bay, was launched to address lagging take-up among young people.
The latest vaccination statistics show that the gap is slowly starting to close, with 65% of 18 to 29-year-olds having had their first dose.
Meanwhile, 435 islanders aged 16 and 17 - around one in five - have had a single jab of the covid vaccine after becoming eligible earlier this month.
We've published the latest statistics regarding the number of COVID-19 vaccines delivered as at Wednesday, 11 August 2021.
— Government of Jersey (@GovJersey) August 16, 2021
Statistics are published twice a week. Figures will be updated online, every Monday for the previous Wednesday, and every Thursday for the previous Sunday. pic.twitter.com/kbBt391chP
"The Rock Up campaign was very successful with a total of 482 first doses being administered," explained Operations Lead for the Vaccination Programme, Ross Barnes.
"The Rock Up clinics saw islanders from all priority groups, but the second week saw a large number of 16 and 17 year olds as they became eligible for vaccination. I'd like to thank those Islanders and the vaccination team for all the support, we will now focus on facilitating appointments and walk in's at the Vaccination Centre."
Yesterday, bookings to receive the Pfizer/BioTech vaccine opened for 12 to 15-year-olds who meet the following criteria:
Deputy Medical Officer of Health, Dr Ivan Muscat, reassured islanders that "the vaccines have been proven safe and effective for these young people."
"The vaccine has been through rigorous clinical trials to test its efficacy in younger people, and its use has been authorised by the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) with real time evidence reinforcing these conclusions," he explained.
"Although serious illness as a result of covid-19 is rare amongst most young people, the risk is higher for those who are classed as clinically vulnerable. If they choose to be vaccinated, they will have a significant measure of protection against serious illness. Additionally, if they live with someone who is clinically vulnerable, by getting themselves vaccinated, they will reduce the potential risks to their loved ones."
Vaccination Programme Head Becky Sherrington said that a "safe and ethical" process for vaccinating young people in this age bracket was developed alongside the Paediatrics team, the Children's Commissioner, and the Law Officers' Department.
Parents can find out more about the vaccine and/or make a booking for their child by clicking HERE.
Comments
Comments on this story express the views of the commentator only, not Bailiwick Publishing. We are unable to guarantee the accuracy of any of those comments.