Knaresborough’s vaccination site today welcomed the first 12 to 15 year olds through its doors amid concern about high coronavirus cases in the Harrogate district.
The government initially said that all children in that age group would be offered jabs on school premises by half-term.
However, the roll-out in schools locally has been delayed due to staffing issues at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust.
So the NHS has asked Homecare Pharmacy Services, which recently moved to the Chain Lane Community Hub in Knaresborough, to help out with the roll-out.
William Kean, 12, from Harrogate, was among the first of his cohort to get vaccinated today. He told the Stray Ferret:
“I was a little bit nervous but it was fine, it didn’t hurt very much. I thought it was going to be worse. Hopefully it means I don’t miss as much school now.”
The Homecare team at the launch of the new clinic today.
Local public health officials have linked the high rate of infection in the Harrogate district to children returning to school in September.
The director of public health for North Yorkshire, Louise Wallace, revealed last week that she had urged schools to bring back face masks and reduce after-school activities as a result.
Read more:
- Harrogate hospital staff shortages delay schools vaccine programme
- Harrogate district schools urged to bring back face masks
Jason Baskind, managing director of Homecare Pharmacy Services, told the Stray Ferret:
“Obviously the school teams have been struggling to get the children all done. The initial offer has got to be through schools.
“But the NHS has asked us and other vaccination centres to put on these clinics for children because it’s half-term and because of the situation in Harrogate.”
Sue Vasey, interim director at the Chain Lane Community Hub, added:
“It was really important for us to be able to offer this facility for such an important programme, particularly now when infection levels are so high in our area.
“We are always in need of volunteers but it’s a great atmosphere and a really good team. Everyone has really pulled together to make this work.”
