Covid vaccines offered three months before 18th birthday

Thursday 29 July 2021

17-year-olds are now able to get their first dose of the covid vaccine three months before turning 18 - meaning some uni jet setters who haven't yet had their birthday will be able to get it before they go.

They will be able to both use the walk-in centre and book an appointment online or via the phone.

Currently 74% (73,964) of the population aged 16 and over have received both doses, making up for 61% of the island in total.

The Government says that the change comes following advice from the UK’s Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, who they follow for policy-making.

Pictured: Vaccination Programme Head, Becky Sherrington, said that the walk-in appointments had seen over 100 attendees.

The Committee stated last week that: "It is considered reasonable to allow a lead-in time to offer vaccination to children who are within 3 months of their 18th birthday to ensure good uptake in newly turned 18-year-olds."

Head of the Vaccination Programme, Becky Sherrington, said: “The walk-in appointments have been really successful already, so far this week we have seen over 100 Islanders walking in for their first dose. 

“I am pleased that we will now be able to offer first doses to Islanders who are turning 18 within three months, and I hope those Islanders come to the vaccination centre this week with their friends and make use of the walk-in appointments available. 

“Just over three quarters of the Island’s adult population are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 which is great to see.

“By getting your first dose, Islanders are on the journey to being fully vaccinated, and are giving themselves, their friends, and family, good protection against the virus.”

Pictured: Health Minister Deputy Richard Renouf said the change comes following recommendations from the JCVI.

Minister for Health and Social Services, Deputy Richard Renouf, added: “I am pleased that we are able to offer vaccines to Islanders turning 18, following recommendations from the JCVI. 

“We are seeing transmission of the virus spread particularly among young Islanders now, so it is important that those Islanders in the younger priority groups who have not yet been vaccinated, get their first dose as soon as possible.  

“I’d like to thank the vaccination programme for their continued hard work and opening up the vaccine centre for walk in appointments this week. I encourage Islanders to continue supporting the programme and make use of the convenient walk in appointments.”