THE vaccination programme in Barnsley has now opened for 16 and 17-year-olds.

Today is the first day those youngsters were able to get their vaccine as they are now eligible to use the town’s local walk-in clinics.

Online booking is not yet available but appointments are not necessary at the drop-in clinics.

The first dedicated clinic for 16 to 19-year-olds will be running from Priory Campus in Lundwood on August 21 and 22.

They will only be initially offered one dose of the vaccine and this will be Pfizer.

Andrea Parkin, head nurse for the Barnsley NHS GP Covid vaccination programme, said: “We’ve had a fantastic response to the vaccination programme in Barnsley so far.

“I’m sure it’s going to be the same for those 16 and 17 year-olds who are now able to get the benefits of the vaccine.”