More than 17,800 children are now eligible for their Covid-19 vaccination in Blackburn with Darwen.

After the Government opened up the vaccination drive to children between five and 11-years-old, thousands more children in Blackburn with Darwen can now get their jab.

Parents are invited to book an appointment through the National Booking Service.

In a bid to make the environment as fun and comfortable as possible for young children, a jungle-themed room and adventure trail have been set up at Blackburn Cathedral.

Abdul Razaq, director of public health at Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, said: “Covid cases are rising in Blackburn with Darwen and I strongly encourage parents of children aged five to 11 to read the available NHS information and book a vaccine to make sure their family and loved ones are protected.

“The vaccine is safe and effective for children in this age group and vaccination appointments have been made longer so families can speak with clinicians to make an informed decision while making it as stress free as possible for children”.

The JCVI has advised all children aged between five and 11 will be offered two 10 microgram doses, a third of the strength given to those over the age of 12 of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.

There will be an interval of at least 12 weeks between doses (or eight weeks for children who have medical conditions that put them at increased risk from Covid or who live with someone with a weakened immune system).