Some of the first children in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire to get the Covid-19 vaccine have bravely told others that it does not hurt at all.
Children aged between five and 11-years-old, who are deemed to be clinically extremely vulnerable, can now receive a single dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.
At Salisbury City Hall, which is one of more than a dozen venues in the region now providing the vaccine to children, those coming forward for the jab are being rewarded with a superhero certificate and commemorative bravery sticker.
The site also has a newly installed graffiti wall, on which children can share their experience of having the injection.
One brave superhero wrote that getting protected against coronavirus did not hurt at all, while another said it felt amazing.
Currently, only those aged five to 11-years-old and considered to be clinically extremely vulnerable are eligible for the child Covid-19 vaccine, and parents with children in this category should have already been contacted about vaccination.
Appointments are by invite-only, and parents are encouraged to make every effort to get their vulnerable child vaccinated, as experts believe the virus may take a greater toll on youngsters with a weakened immune system.
Parents who have not been contacted, but believe they should have been, are urged to speak to their GP practice as soon as possible.
The child Covid-19 vaccine is being given out at 15 of the region’s vaccination centres, with the list of venues made up of larger sites and smaller locations, such as pharmacies and GP practices.
Children aged between 12 and 15-years-old are also eligible for the Covid-19 vaccine, however two doses are required for those in this age group to gain full protection.
Families can choose to wait to have their child vaccinated at their place of education or book an appointment at an out-of-school vaccination centre.
Extra sites will be carrying out vaccinations of 12 to 15-year-olds during the February half term break, and these are listed on the National Booking System, which is available online at http://www.nhs.uk or over the phone by calling 119.
More information about the local rollout of the coronavirus vaccine can be found at http://www.bswccg.nhs.uk.
