Students returning to the Isle of Man will be offered both doses of their Covid-19 vaccine within an eight-week period.

Health Minister David Ashford is urging students to register for the vaccine without delay.

Mr Ashford said: ’With more concerns being raised around the Delta variant of Covid-19, it is incredibly important that everyone receives both doses of the vaccine for long-term protection against the virus. All three vaccines being offered are proven to be safe and effective against the virus and I ask that everyone does their part in registering for one.’

This week, Andrea Lener was the first island resident to receive the Moderna vaccine, which was administered by Kath Fenner. Moderna is being offered to people aged 40 and under.

Clinics for returning students will be held on June 26 and July 6 and 7 at the Chester Street vaccination hub in Douglas for first doses, with August 30 and 31 and September 1 earmarked for second appointments. The aim is to ensure students have had the full course before they head back to university.

Students need to be registered with a local GP, either normally or temporarily if already registered with a UK GP and with the vaccination booking team at 111. When calling to register, students should tell the team they are a returning student.

Education Minister Alex Allinson said: ’I want to thank the vaccination team for arranging these clinics for our returning students as it is important that they are not missed out of the programme by living in both the UK and Isle of Man. Students are encouraged to attend both first and second appointments on island, but if they return to university before the eight weeks, they do not need to worry as they can receive the vaccine through their GP in the UK as part of the reciprocal health agreement.

’The system works the other way round too, so those who receive their first vaccination in the UK before returning home can have their second dose here.’

As well as the dedicated student clinics, the final first dose clinics are being planned for the end of July, for those who have delayed coming forward. People can register immediately for a first dose by calling 111.

No decision has been taken on whether to vaccinate children aged 12 to 15 ahead of the start of the new school year in September, but discussions are underway.

The government says it is watching developments in the UK, where the regulator has approved the use of the Pfizer vaccine in this age group as safe and effective.

Next, the UK will be advised on whether this group should be vaccinated and the Isle of Man is likely to follow.