Letter from the Director of Public Health
21st September 2021
Public Health
4th Floor Civic Centre
West Street,
Oldham OL1 1UT
Dear Parent/Guardian
As you may be aware, the COVID-19 vaccination programme is being extended. In the next few weeks, children ages 12 and higher will be able to get their COVID-19 vaccine.
You will soon be receiving a letter giving you more information on the programme, and asking for your consent for your child to be vaccinated. Your rights as a parent are extremely important, which is why we are asking this and writing to you now.
We know that there have been mixed messages in the national media about the COVID-19 vaccine and children, and so we wanted to write to you to keep you updated about the situation here in Oldham.
In Oldham, we have seen ongoing high rates of COVID-19 and our priority is to keep all students and staff safe and well. We also want to ensure that our children do not miss any more education. Currently, the highest rate of COVID-19 in Oldham is in our school age children. COVID-19 has changed many things for our children, but the important role vaccinations play in keeping children healthy remains unchanged.
Getting vaccinated is an important way to protect yourself, your family, and your community.
The vaccination programme for 16-year olds and over has been a real success.
155,690 people in Oldham have had at least 1 dose of the vaccine. We know many of our school staff, and older students are already vaccinated.
The vaccination will be available at school and the programme will be led by our School Nursing Service, who provide other school aged vaccinations. The service will be in contact with you over the coming weeks with more information on the vaccine, how to consent and how to ask any questions.
If you would like further information, please visit this website:
We would like to thank you. You have supported your children, and the community throughout the pandemic. We will continue to work with you to prioritise our children and tackle the impact of COVID-19 in our communities.
Thank you so much
Yours sincerely,
Katrina Stephens
Director of Public Health
Gerard Jones
Managing Director of
Children & Young People
Cllr Zahid Chauhan
Cabinet Member for Health