WALK-IN vaccinations are now available to people aged 12-15 at three Hampshire centres.

Youngsters in need of their first or second jab no longer require an appointment.

They can instead visit the Solent NHS Trust-run sites at Oakley Road in Southampton, St James’ Hospital in Portsmouth and the Riverside Centre on the Isle of Wight.

All are open 8am to 8pm seven days a week.

Angela Anderson, Solent NHS Trust’s clinical director of vaccinations, said: “Anyone who gets COVID-19 can become seriously ill or have long-term effects. The COVID-19 vaccines are the best way to protect yourself and others.

“We are opening up even more opportunities for people to get vaccinated. If you haven’t yet had your first, second or booster COVID-19 jab please do take up the offer sooner rather than later.”

People are also able to book an appointment through the National Booking System. School-age immunisation Teams will also be running further clinics for second doses only across Hampshire and Isle of Wight schools from 10 January.

Angela added: “People who would prefer to book an appointment can do so through the national booking system. And, as well as the walk-in offer, we will shortly be opening up more appointments for 12-15 year olds.”

The walk-ins include:

• First and second (after 12 weeks of first dose) vaccinations for young people aged 12-15, as well as 16 and 17 year olds.

• First and second (after 8 weeks of first dose) vaccinations for people aged 18 and over.

• Booster vaccinations to people over the age of 18 (3 months after second vaccination).

People aged 12-15 will need to attend a vaccination centre with their parent or guardian, who will be asked to give their consent. Children can get a first dose of the vaccine from the day they turn 12.

Any 12-15 year old who has tested positive for COVID-19 and is not at high risk from COVID-19 must wait 12 weeks before they can have a COVID-19 vaccine.

This starts from the date of their positive PCR test.