The NHS in Gloucestershire is reassuring young people aged 16 or 17 that they will receive an invitation from local NHS services to book in for their vaccination soon, and that there is no need for them to contact their GP surgery at this time.

This follows recent announcements from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) that all 16 and 17-year olds should be offered a Pfizer vaccine soon.

Dr Andy Seymour, clinical chair at NHS Gloucestershire CCG, said: "We are working with vaccination teams across the county to ensure that young people aged 16 or 17 are able to receive a Pfizer vaccine as soon as possible. Local GP services will shortly be in touch with these individuals, if they haven't already, with an invitation to book an appointment."

The extension of the vaccination programme comes as 75% of adults in Gloucestershire have now had both doses and almost three-quarters of 18 to 29-year-olds have had at least one dose.

The bulk of vaccinations have, and continue to be, provided by appointment through 10 GP led primary care network community vaccination centres across the county. In recent weeks, a number of flexible 'drop-in' clinics have also been offered to ensure all available slots are used.

Dr Andy Seymour added: "The vaccination is our best chance of protecting ourselves from the most severe symptoms of COVID-19, we know that it has saved thousands of lives, so we also continue to urge eligible adults who haven't yet done so to get their jab.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to our incredible vaccination teams whose hard work and dedication have contributed to almost 550,000 people in Gloucestershire receiving at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccines so far. It's not too late, vaccination sites continue to offer first and second doses, so please do follow the instructions in your invitation to book an appointment or look out for opportunities to attend a local drop-in clinic."