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.

“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:

  • aged 12 to 15 and have an underlying health condition that makes them at a higher risk of becoming seriously unwell (this includes a severe neuro-disability, cerebral palsy, down’s syndrome, immunosuppression, or severe learning disability);
  • or aged 12 to 15 and live in the same household as someone who has immunosuppression (this includes someone who has HIV, transplant, receiving cancer treatment, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis).

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.