NHS vaccination teams will be visiting the North East's schools as part of a renewed drive to get 12 to 15-year-olds their second Covid-19 jabs.
The coming weeks will see close to 250 schools around the area visited by vaccinators as NHS bosses hope to make it more convenient for younger teenagers to get their second doses.
Teams have already visited 440 schools in the North East and Yorkshire since in January the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) confirmed advice recommending a second Covid jab three months after the first for the age-group.
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Dr Yvette Oade, the NHS region’s clinical lead for the vaccination programme, said the jabs would boost young people's protection and help to keep them in school.
She said: "It’s great to see our vaccination teams will visit a further 248 schools in the North East and Yorkshire ahead of the Easter holiday and this activity makes it easier than ever for young people to get their second dose
"Vaccination remains our first line of defence against the Covid-19 virus and is one of the best ways we can protect ourselves, and our communities, as we learn to live with the virus."
Across the region, almost 110,000 teenagers in the target age group have been double-jabbed so far.
Alongside the school service, 12 to 15-year-olds can also be jabbed at vaccination clinics across the region but parents or guardians are asked to attend in that scenario.
Children who have had Covid must wait 12 weeks after infection until they can be vaccinated, in line with JCVI guidance. Clinically at-risk 12- to 15-year-olds, or those who live with someone who is immunosuppressed, are also entitled to a booster three months after their two primary doses.
To book a Covid vaccination visit the National Booking Service, use the NHS online walk-in finder to find the nearest walk-in site, or call the free 119 phone line.
