A fifth of teenagers double jabbed in Doncaster

A fifth of teenagers in Doncaster have received two doses of the coronavirus vaccine, figures show.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The UK Government called for teenagers to get their second jab ahead of their return to school after the Christmas break, in an effort to tackle the Omicron wave.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation recommended that 16 to 17-year-olds receive a second dose of the Covid jab in November – extending the advice to those aged 12 to 15 just before Christmas.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Figures from the UK coronavirus dashboard show 3,315 people aged 16 and 17 in Doncaster had received two jabs by January 16 – at least 46 per cent of the age group.

4,476 under-18s in Doncaster are double-jabbed4,476 under-18s in Doncaster are double-jabbed
4,476 under-18s in Doncaster are double-jabbed

A further 1,161 12 to 15-year-olds had received two doses of a Covid vaccine by that date, equating to seven per cent of the age group.

It means 4,476 under-18s in Doncaster are double-jabbed – at least 20 per cent of the age group, based on the number of people on the National Immunisation Management Service database.

They are among 13,183 (58 per cent) who had received a first dose by January 16.

Read More
Police search for Doncaster man wanted in a connection with a burglary
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

John Jolly, chief executive at charity Parentkind, said while measures such as face coverings in schools and vaccines for under 18s were “inevitably polarising” among parents, their research showed the majority wanted their child’s educational experience to return to some form of normality.

He said: “Clearly, a challenge to that will come in reconciling the divide in parents’ views of the best way to achieve this, particularly when it comes to the role of protective measures against the spread of Covid.

“However ministers make decisions on updating their guidance, they must keep in mind the impact on parents and on family life that their policies will have.”

Across England, 52 per cent of 12 to 15-year-olds have had at least one dose of the Covid jab, including nine per cent who have received two.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The rates for 16 and 17-year-olds stood at 66 per cent for a first dose and 45 per cent for second jabs by January 16.

A Government spokesperson said getting children vaccinated was helping to keep schools open for face-to-face lessons.

They added: “The scientific evidence is clear, vaccines are the best way to protect young people and their friends and family from Omicron."

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Liam Hoden, editor.

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.