Children aged 12-15 are being urged to get a Covid vaccination over the half-term, however it has emerged that there are no jab clinics in Richmond.

Infection rates are rising in Richmond, particularly among young people, while the UK's national vaccination programme now lags behind other nations

Boris Johnson is promoting the idea of a new push on vaccinations for teenagers and older people who qualify for a booster jab. However, there are fewer clinics offering the jab compared to earlier the pandemic.

The nearest vaccination centre options for youngsters aged 12-15 are in Kingston, Wandsworth and Wimbledon.

Richmond Borough Council said that over the past few weeks, the NHS has been visiting schools across the borough vaccinating 12–15-year-olds.

From this weekend, appointments can also be booked, outside of school, on the NHS booking service. There are also walk-in appointments today and tomorrow – October 21 and 22.

Parents and youngsters are advised to the nearest venue via the South West London CCG website.

A check on this website confirms there are no clinics in Richmond borough. The nearest options are the Hawks Road Health Clinic, Kingston; Roehampton Vaccination Centre, Wandsworth; Centre Court Shopping Centre, Wimbledon; and Nelson Health Centre, Wimbledon.

Council leader, Gareth Roberts, said: "As we have all seen from the rising case numbers in the borough, the biggest increase in Richmond is amongst young people, and many are not yet vaccinated.

"The guidance is clear. Having the vaccine is one way that we can all protect ourselves from the virus. There is also a wider picture to consider, that the vaccine has benefits beyond protecting the individual. It also helps minimise the risk of transmission to others.

"While we can't make parents' minds up for them, I can tell you what I have done. I have not hesitated. My two eligible daughters have both had the jab.

"I'd encourage parents to talk with their child about the decision and why the Chief Medical Officers are recommending that the vaccine is being offered to them. There are lots of resources that can help with this conversation."

Cllr Roberts said he is making efforts to get a vaccination clinic set up in the borough.

He said: "I welcome the NHS plans to enable 12-15 year olds to book their vaccinations online from next week. However, I am disappointed that there is not currently a vaccination site based with our borough. I have written to the Clinical Commissioning Group to ask them to consider a Richmond site to ensure that it is as easy as possible to get a jab.

"However in the meantime, there are a number of nearby sites – such as Queen Mary's Hospital in Roehampton and Hawks Road Clinic in Kingston and I would encourage families to go online and find the nearest one to them."