All children aged five to 11 can get the COVID-19 vaccine from today, as the jab roll out moves to the next phase.
Almost five million children in this age group are eligible for two doses of the Pfizer vaccine following updated JCVI guidance, advising two 10 microgram doses – a third of the strength given to over 12s – with a minimum 12-week gap.
You can book an appointment at one of the county’s vaccination centres by calling 119 or visiting the National Booking Service online, however the jab centre at the Lincolnshire Showground will be closed on Monday, April 4 and Tuesday, April 5 for routine planned maintenance.
The majority of vaccines for five to 11-year-olds will take place at local vaccination centres or pharmacies outside of school hours, with invites also sent to parents and guardians by GPs.
Since the NHS National Booking System opened for families of 5 to 11-year-olds on Saturday, more than 37,000 have already booked an appointment.
The NHS booking site is now offering jabs for anyone aged five and over. | Photo: NHS
Dr Nikki Kanani, GP and Deputy Lead for the NHS COVID-19 vaccination programme, said: “NHS staff continue to work hard across the country to deliver the COVID vaccine to all eligible groups and this group of five to 11s are the latest to start receiving theirs, helping to protect against potential future waves of COVID.
“The vaccine is safe and effective – my 10-year-old daughter will be getting hers this week – and I’d encourage all parents to read the information and consider booking their child in for a vaccination at the earliest opportunity.”
Children aged five to 11 who have medical conditions that put them at increased risk from COVID-19 or who live with someone with a weakened immune system have already been offered the vaccine, with an eight-week gap between doses.
Rebecca Neno, director of COVID and influenza vaccination programmes at NHS Lincolnshire CCG, said: “The aim of the NHS in offering to vaccinate five to 11 year-olds is not only to provide them with some protection, but also to support families to make an informed choice, and to make things convenient and child-friendly for those who do decide to get their child vaccinated.
“As with all the other age groups we have already vaccinated and continue to vaccinate, getting your child vaccinated will help to protect them from the worse effects of COVID, as well as reducing the risk to them and those around them.
“COVID is still active and case numbers are ticking up again, but at the same time we are all striving for some kind of return to normality. The best way to achieve this is to get vaccinated, whether that’s yourself or your child.
“I understand there will be reluctance on the part of some parents and guardians to get their child vaccinated and the important thing to say is it is your choice.”
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The final in the latest series of road closures for works on the A1, as part of the Grantham Southern Relief Road project, has been temporarily postponed
A weekend northbound A1 closure was due to be in place between 8pm on Friday, May 20 and 6am on Monday, May 23.
However, Lincolnshire County Council said the closure has been temporarily postponed and once new dates have been confirmed they will be shared.
Works on phase three began in April this year, with the council anticipating that winter 2023 will be the completion date for the relief road.
This will be with the view to reduce congestion and carbon emissions, and provide opportunities for growth in the local economy.
The £102 million Grantham Southern Relief Road project has been led by Lincolnshire County Council, supported by South Kesteven District Council, Highways England, Greater Lincolnshire LEP, Network Rail, Homes England, the Department for Transport and local business contributions.
Safety improvements have been carried out at corner where numerous accidents have occurred in East Keal.
The council is looking into what else can be done to prevent motorists from coming off the road at Hall Corner, while police are looking into the possibility of fitting a speed camera.
A cement lorry recently overturned on the corner in February.
Lincolnshire County Council has found a slight dip in the road where Blacksmith Lane meets the A16 could be the reason why heavy vehicles travelling at excessive speed are tipping over.
It is considering whether to smooth out and realign the road, but says it is concious of the impact that closing the A16 would have on traffic and local businesses.
Several safety improvement measures have already been put in place, including ‘slow’ markings, enhanced bend warning signs and improved chevrons.
Problems have been found with the road surface on the corner. | Photo: Google Street View
Lincolnshire Police are assessing whether a speed camera on the corner would be beneficial, and will be taking speed readings in the coming weeks.
Larger barriers and longer safety fencing have been proposed by the public. However, the county council says that in order for it to be big enough to withstand the impact of overturned vehicles, the cost can’t be justified.
Either the local parish council or the country council could also explore whether to fund a reactive speed sign on the location.
Richard Davies, executive member for highways, said: “We are very thankful to the residents and members of the parish council who have given us their ideas and support in what can be done at Hall Corner. Local knowledge and personal feedback are cornerstones of what we do in terms of delivering the best solutions in the most informed way.
“There has already been much done at this bend to try and mitigate the issues faced and we now have more planned for this particular area that will go on to encourage all road users to drive accordingly in line with the road and conditions.
“I would like to thank everyone involved so far for their input. We will all work together to get the best resolution we can for Hall Corner.”
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