Dear Parent or carer,
12-15 vaccination programme
A brilliant 2,000 12–15-year-olds in Waltham Forest have now had their COVID-19 vaccine. These children will be helping to protect the borough and keep us all safer.
At a time when there are high rates of coronavirus transmission in schools, it is more important than ever for 12–15-year-olds to get vaccinated. By getting their vaccination, they’ll be less likely to become poorly with COVID-19 and will help to reduce the risk of infection too.
Along with our in-school clinics, we’ve also got lots of options for you to take your child to a clinic after school or at the weekend to get their vaccine out of school. If your child hasn’t yet had their vaccine, you can book in at one of the below clinics which are open weekly (see map on second side of letter):
• Tuesdays
Walthamstow Library, E17 7JN 10am-6.30pm
• Thursdays
Jubilee Centre, E11 4LA 10am-5.30pm
St Edmunds, E4 8JL 1pm-5pm
• Saturdays
Walthamstow Library, E17 7JN 10am-5.30pm
St Edmunds, E4 8JL 9am-5pm
• Sundays
Jubilee Centre, E11 4LA 10am-5.30pm
You will need to pre-book your child’s slot by visiting https://bit.ly/12-15bookingWF or by calling 119.
These times and days may be subject to change, but the up-to-date sessions will be available on the NHS website when you book. If you have a child who is aged 16 and up, they can walk in at any of our clinics across Waltham Forest. These include the above locations, as well as other community clinics and pharmacies. To view these venues, please visit https://bit.ly/3F6JoyD.
More information on the 12-15 vaccine programme
You can find more information about the 12-15 vaccines and get your questions answered over on our website: https://bit.ly/3D5ZGqY.
A few of our frequently asked questions are:
• Are there side effects for children who have the vaccine? Children might have side effects like with other vaccines, however these should be mild. If they continue after a few days, please call 111 for advice. Families Directorate Joe McDonnell, Director of Public Health
• Can they have the COVID-19 vaccine at similar times as other vaccines? It is safe to get the COVID-19 vaccine and others close together.
• Do they have to have it? It's not mandatory, so they don't have to. It's a discussion that's needed between you and your child.
• Can you get COVID-19 from the vaccine? There is no COVID-19 in the vaccine, so you cannot catch it from having the vaccination.
• Is there alcohol in the vaccine? The vaccine is halal, kosher, vegan and contains no alcohol.
Once again, thank you for your ongoing support during this ever-challenging time. Please do reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns:
Yours faithfully,
Joe McDonnell
Director of Public Health
Map of Waltham Forest 12-15 COVID-19 vaccination clinics: