Cornwall child friendly Covid-19 vaccination clinic Helston Football Club

Labradors Monty and Molly are therapy dogs and they have been making visits to vaccination clinics with NHS staff, for children to pet him whilst receiving their Covid-19 jabs.

This Saturday, from 10.30am to 1pm, Monty will be visiting Helston Football Club, and again on Sunday, July 24 between 8am and 2pm for play specialist sessions.

Vaccinations are now available for all children over the age of five and child-friendly clinics – which include the likes of sensory lighting, fun furniture, music and play therapy – are being set up at sites across Cornwall to help put children at ease.

Children receive a lower dose of the vaccine and there is a longer interval between doses, which the NHS says provide a strong immune response and protection. Vaccinations are also said to enhance future protection provided by a previous Covid-19 infection.

Iain Davidson, chief pharmacist from NHS Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said: “We know going to a vaccination clinic and having an injection isn’t necessarily top of a child’s favourite things to do but can assure parents that our staff will put them at ease and do all they can to make the experience as pleasant as possible."

Monty the therapy dog will be visiting the child friendly vaccination clinic in Helston and Wadebridge. Credit: NHS

Parents and guardians can book a vaccination appointment for their children online, or just walk in at their nearest walk-in clinic. To find out the details of their nearest walk-in site visit the Grab a Jab website.

Dr. Whitney Curry from Public Health Cornwall said: “We are likely to see regular peaks of coronavirus cases and new variants emerging for some time to come.

“Therefore, we would like to encourage parents and carers to consider vaccinating their children against Covid-19 if they have not already done so. Vaccinations are available for all children over five years of age.”

I bet he will enjoy all the fuss at the clinics! Credit: NHS

NHS Cornwall says that vaccinating children against Covid-19 can:

• Prevent further disruption to their education and social activity due to initial infection, as well as from long Covid which according to the Office for National Statistics affects one in 12 children in the UK today.

• Reduce the risk of infection to your child and to those around them, especially vulnerable and elderly family members.

• Reduce symptoms if infected and the likelihood of developing health issues such as long Covid.

• Enhance future protection if a child has already had Covid-19, including against new variants.