Parents will be able to bring their 12-15-year-old children to walk-in vaccination clinics in Morecambe Bay this week, the NHS has announced.

Currently, there are two Morecambe Bay vaccine sites that are able to offer walk-in sessions to 12 to 15-year-olds, with more to follow within the coming weeks:

•Cartmel Surgery, Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands, on Thursday, November 4, 3 – 5pm, Friday, November 5, 5 – 6pm, Wednesday, November 10, 5 – 6pm, Friday, November 19, 6 – 7pm and Wednesday, November 24, 5 – 6pm

•Mazuma Stadium, Morecambe, on Wednesday, November 10, 4 - 7.30pm and Sunday, November 14, 4 – 7.30pm

Senior Responsible Officer for Lancashire and South Cumbria Vaccination Programme, Jane Scattergood, said: “This new offer makes it possible for those children aged 12 to 15 who have not yet had the opportunity to be vaccinated at school – including those who are home educated – to visit a walk-in clinic as well as book an appointment online or via 119.

“Exactly the same principles for consent, and exactly the same safeguards will be in place as for in-school vaccinations. The extra flexibility and capacity we are providing will enable faster roll-out to this group at a time when the rate of Covid-19 infection in secondary aged children continues to be high.”

Since Saturday, October 23, 12–15-year-olds have also been able to book a vaccination outside of school if they prefer, using the National Booking Service.

To make an appointment, they can visit www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination or call 119.