THE NHS in the North West is reminding parents of the importance of the Covid-19 vaccine for clinically extremely vulnerable five to 11-year-olds.
The region’s vaccine lead said that, at a time of rising Covid infections in the community, the vaccine offered “vital protection” to young people with serious health conditions that could put them at “extra risk” from the virus.
The NHS has offered two paediatric doses of the vaccine, a third of the amount used for adult vaccinations, to the most vulnerable children aged five to 11 since January, including those with diabetes, immunosuppression, learning disabilities and other conditions.
Dr Linda Charles-Ozuzu, Regional Director of Commissioning for NHS England and NHS Improvement and Senior Responsible Officer for the Vaccination Programme in the North West, said: “We know that children with serious health conditions, or those with a weakened immune system, are more at risk from COVID-19 than healthy children of the same age.
“With Covid-19 cases rising within the community again, it’s more important than ever for at-risk children to be vaccinated and protected.
“The vaccine is safe and effective for children aged five to 11 and NHS staff and volunteers are working hard to make the vaccination as easy and comfortable as possible.
“If you’re a parent or guardian of a five to 11 year old who is eligible for a first or second dose of the vaccine, please come forward and book an appointment to make sure your family and loved ones are protected.”
In line with national guidance, patient information is sent out to parents and guardians with information on the COVID-19 vaccination.
Parents and guardians are asked to attend with their children and are asked to read the patient information in advance of arriving for their appointment.
Children in this group are eligible for a second dose eight weeks after their first dose and can’t receive any vaccination until four weeks after a positive test for coronavirus.
To book an appointment online, please visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/ or to find a walk-in site visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/find-a-walk-in-coronavirus-covid-19-vaccination-site/.
