Covid jab available outside of school to 11-15s

WombatChocolate · 2021-10-18T16:04:50+00:00

We just had a message saying there are local clinics that 12-15s can go to for Covid jab, instead of only having it done in school. Jabbers came last week but I think supply was limited. Now one location will do 12-15s locally at certain times, so anyone who couldn’t get done or didn’t consent can go to those. Looks like idea might be for people to go over half term. I think lots will like this - can control when it is and not same time as nasal spray for flu so no double whammy. Have other areas heard this too?

Original poster

WombatChocolate · 18/10/2021 17:07

Sorry , spotted another thread about same thing.

OP posts:

StiggyZardust · 18/10/2021 17:10

The idea is for centres to open in time for half term. Trying to vaccinate the children is proving to be very challenging due to the volume of children involved.

BlackeyedSusan · 18/10/2021 19:40

And the fact they were off I and it took five days to get test results back...

BlackeyedSusan · 18/10/2021 19:41

Off ill....

And so many not getting vaccinated as they have been positive recently...

milcal · 18/10/2021 19:47

It's a great idea. Where we are it's the only place children can be vaccinated.

Angel2702 · 19/10/2021 09:54

Yes but it is during the day 8am until 12 in our area next week. Unfortunately it is not half term next week for the majority of schools and we are not permitted to take kids out of school to attend a vaccination clinic.

Upsky · 19/10/2021 10:14

we are not permitted to take kids out of school to attend a vaccination clinic.
That's ridiculous, half a day for a vaccine or 10 days for covid, I would take them out anyway, what's the worst they can do?

Delatron · 19/10/2021 10:18

Yes our school sent a message to say for those that missed the vaccine they could go to a local stadium on the 20th. Though we’re on half term this week. I’m hoping they realise the logistics of going in to schools is slowing things down and they need to focus on mass vaccination centres. Schools need to absolutely let pupils out of school for this!

ReginaSpaghetti99 · 19/10/2021 10:27

I do hope so. My DS is afraid of needles and will only have it with one of us there. He’s having the flu spray in school this week so hoping we hear soon about the clinics. We’re in South West.

alreadytaken · 19/10/2021 10:28

I'd take a child out to be vaccinated. All a schhol can do is record as unauthorised and if they do that complain to the governors as it's a medical absence.

JellyBabiesSaveLives · 19/10/2021 10:40

we are not permitted to take kids out of school to attend a vaccination clinic

Surely a medical appointment is authorised absence? But if your school are that daft, tell them it’s a dentist appointment. Or let them record it as unauthorised - you can only get fined when it reaches 10 half-days.

Original poster

WombatChocolate · 19/10/2021 10:43

I cannot believe that any school will record this as unauthorised absence. All medical appointments count as authorised absence anyway and this is one of them.

I find it hard to believe that any school has sent the info about jab locations and then said anyone who chooses to book and go will be down as unauthorised. Schools and government are keen for kids to be done. They really wouldn't register this as unauthorised as firstly they are organising the jabs (gov) and secondly, any medical appt is valid time out of school.

Have some people misunderstood what they have read or are just going on something a child has come home and (inaccurately) reported back?

Here, parental consent has been very high, but the jabbers only managed to do perhaps 1/3 of those wanting to be done. Other families will be glad to go over half term or if other clinics were available, to arrange their own appointments as necessary.

OP posts:

milcal · 19/10/2021 13:29

All 12-15 year olds in my area were sent an appointment by post that were outside of school hours.

I think it's wrong that schools are objecting to children taking time out.

From what I've heard here, many children need a day or two off school after their vaccines to recover.

Original poster

WombatChocolate · 19/10/2021 13:36

Schools really won’t be objecting to kids going for a vaccination appointment.
This is a red herring in the thread.

OP posts:

Angel2702 · 19/10/2021 13:57

@WombatChocolate

I cannot believe that any school will record this as unauthorised absence. All medical appointments count as authorised absence anyway and this is one of them.

I find it hard to believe that any school has sent the info about jab locations and then said anyone who chooses to book and go will be down as unauthorised. Schools and government are keen for kids to be done. They really wouldn't register this as unauthorised as firstly they are organising the jabs (gov) and secondly, any medical appt is valid time out of school.

Have some people misunderstood what they have read or are just going on something a child has come home and (inaccurately) reported back?

Here, parental consent has been very high, but the jabbers only managed to do perhaps 1/3 of those wanting to be done. Other families will be glad to go over half term or if other clinics were available, to arrange their own appointments as necessary.

No, no inaccurate reporting I have it in black and white from the school.

This is what the letter home states.
“There will be no pressure to get vaccinated if parents/pupils visit a site and are still unsure.
If you wish to use this service, please do so during half term, as any absence during the school day will be unauthorised.”

We are trying to see if we can get to another area that is running until 5pm but as they don’t finish school until 4.15 even after school is tight.

littlestmunchkin · 19/10/2021 14:06

Yes I'd take out and never mind what the school think!

Original poster

WombatChocolate · 19/10/2021 14:07

Angel, I would email the Head and query this. Ask if they are suggesting that going to a medical appointment during the school day, would be recorded as unauthorised absence, and if so, why this is when other medical appointments are authorised, if evidenced.

Please don't let this put you off.

Obviously, getting it done in half term makes sense if possible. Otherwise, sooner rather than later seems sensible for many.

Definitively query it. I am astonished by it and worried. This kind of thing can out barriers in the way of people accessing the jab and that absolutley should not be happening. Therefore, I suspect they have made an error in saying this.

OP posts:

Underhisi · 19/10/2021 15:20

"Unfortunately it is not half term next week for the majority of schools and we are not permitted to take kids out of school to attend a vaccination clinic."

I can't believe anyone would listen to a school saying this. If you want your child vaccinated take them out to do it and tell school to sod off.

milcal · 19/10/2021 15:50

@Underhisi

"Unfortunately it is not half term next week for the majority of schools and we are not permitted to take kids out of school to attend a vaccination clinic."

I can't believe anyone would listen to a school saying this. If you want your child vaccinated take them out to do it and tell school to sod off.

This ^^^

Child's health comes before school. It would only be for a couple of hours at most.

StiggyZardust · 19/10/2021 16:49

The centre I work in will be open at the weekends.

SmallestInTheClass · 19/10/2021 20:51

I'd take mine out to go regardless of what they school say. I bet the head would rather they are vaccinated but isn't allowed to say that.

3asAbird · 20/10/2021 04:09

I would go with whatever appointment you can get 1st.
Its important and 1 less jab for schools.

3asAbird · 20/10/2021 07:00

I would imagine given how many cases schools have right now a head would authorise this absence

CactusFlowers · 20/10/2021 07:26

Still nothing here. Walk in clinics only doing over 16s.

Justrealised · 20/10/2021 07:32

Your post title says 11-15 year olds. Are some 11 year olds getting the vaccine?