16 and 17 year-olds encouraged to receive Covid-19 vaccine

Stockport’s Director of Public Health, Jennifer Connolly, has used her weekly statement on the coronavirus to encourage 16 and 17 year-olds in the borough to take up the offer of a Covid-19 vaccine.

The vaccine rollout was given the go ahead to begin vaccinating this cohort of teenagers last week; the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine had previously been approved for this age group by the UK’s medicines regulator.

Jennifer Connolly said:

Rates are particularly high in in the youth and young adult age groups and one Pfizer jab can protect you from the most severe symptoms and prevent you from having to go into hospital by at least 80% if you do get Covid-19. The vaccination will also protect any vulnerable people you live with, or come into contact with, whether that’s the older generation or others living, studying or socialising with you who have ongoing chronic health conditions.

“Young people can attend on one of our pop-up vaccination sites. Other options will be available through the National Booking Line or by calling 119 in the next few days and weeks, so please do keep checking to see if your age cohort has been added. Currently, you can use this if you are aged 17 and within 3 months of your 18th birthday and above. Currently, you can use this if you are aged 17 and within 3 months of your 18th birthday and above.

“When attending a pop up for a vaccination you will not need parental or guardian permission or for them to attend, but if you’d like them to be with you that’s fine too. Proof of your identity will be checked and processed during the initial screening time, so no formal ID is required before getting vaccinated, but it may be useful if you know your NHS number.”

Jennifer Connolly also used her statement to take the opportunity to congratulate students across the borough for their successful GCSE and A level results, despite the challenges adjusting to online schooling during the pandemic. She said:

I would like to say a huge well done to all those pupils and students who have received their GCSE and A Level exam results this week. You and your teachers have all faced an unprecedented challenge during your studies, having to dig deep and show determination to manage your education through periods of home schooling and self-isolating throughout this pandemic and your strength, determination and resilience to succeed should be acknowledged.

“As you will now be heading into the next phase of your life, whether that be university, college, sixth form or going into the workplace, please take up the offer of the Covid vaccination to help protect yourself, your existing and new peer groups and the wider community.”

Across Stockport, coronavirus cases are beginning to rise slightly after a number of weeks of decline, however the Director of Public Health commented that a ‘bumpy road ahead’ was to be expected with continued mixing following the easing of restrictions last month. She continued:

84.9% of Stockport’s adult population have received their first dose (82.9% 16+) and 74.4% both doses (72.6% 16+). We urgently need to reach those people who have not yet had their first dose or are now overdue (over 8 weeks) their second.

“Remember, if you have symptoms of coronavirus or your lateral flow test comes back positive, you will need to take a PCR test and self-isolate. You can order your PCR test online or book a test by calling 119.

“Also, continue to carry out regular lateral flow testing. Free home kits can be picked up from pharmacies, libraries, Fred Perry House Test Centre, and the car park on Chadwick Street in Marple. Find your nearest test centre or collection point online.

“If you test positive, or been informed by NHS Test and Trace you have been a contact of someone who has, it is essential to self-isolate for 10 days – this is
still law until this Monday,16 August, and helps break the chain of transmission.

“From Monday, 16 August, anyone who has been identified as a close contact of a positive case will no longer have to self-isolate, providing they have been fully vaccinated (second dose more than 14 days ago) and are not displaying any COVID-19 symptoms. Anyone under the age of 18 who has been identified as a close contact of a positive COVID-19 case will also no longer be required to self-isolate. However, close contacts are still advised to take a PCR test (age dependent) as soon as possible to confirm their condition, regardless of vaccination status. Further information is available at gov.uk.

“If you need to self-isolate and are finding this difficult, please call our COVID-19 helpline on 0161 217 6046. You can also visit our website for more information on where to find help if you’re a vulnerable person.”