GWENT youngsters will be receiving letters this week for their first dose of the Pfizer-BioNtech Covid-19 vaccine.

Children aged 12-15 will be receiving the letters for appointments at a vaccination clinic or in a school setting by the end of the week – with the vaccine offered by October half-term.

Aneurin Bevan University Health Board has urged for people to make sure that their contact details are correct with their GP surgery to avoid any delays.

On September 15, the Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) approved the vaccine to be given to those in the younger age group after recommendation by the UK’s Chief Medical Officers on reviewing evidence on the public health benefits of extending vaccination to younger people, including the mental health and long-term prospects for young people and the effect on education.

The Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine has been approved by the UK’s independent medicines regulator for use from age 12.

It is not being considered for children under the age of 12 and has not been approved for use in this age group.

On the day of the appointment, you should wear loose clothing that allows access to the top of your arm. If you are anxious or have a fear of needles, let the person doing the vaccination know and they will support you.

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You should not attend your vaccination if you:

  • Have Covid-19 symptoms
  • Are self-isolating
  • Waiting for a Covid-19 test result
  • Within four weeks of having a positive Covid-19 test

You or your parent/guardian should call to cancel the appointment and to wait until you have recovered.

What are the side effects?

After having the vaccine:

  • Your arm might feel heavy or sore
  • Your body might ache
  • You might feel like you have a cold or the flu
  • You might have a headache
  • You might feel tired
  • You might feel very hot or very cold

The advice if you have any of these is to rest and ask your parent or guardian to give you some painkillers.

A small number of people may get:

  • Problems with their heart (myocarditis) – where it feels like your heart is beating a different way than usual.
  • Pain in the chest (pericarditis)
  • Breathing problems

NHS 111 can be contacted if you feel unwell after the vaccination and are not sure what help you need. They will tell you what the best course of action or treatment is.

Parents and carers can also report your symptoms using the yellow card website.

A Welsh Government spokeswoman said: “Letters inviting children aged 12 to15 will be issued this week and we plan to offer the vaccine by the October half term. Vaccinations will take place mainly in vaccination centres, with only a few school settings. Children and their parents will be advised where their vaccination will take place in their letter of invitation.”