An update on COVID-19 vaccinations for children

News - 6 May 2022

The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective. It gives you the best protection against COVID-19. Although COVID-19 is often mild in children, it can make some children unwell.
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The vaccine is now being offered to all those aged 5 and over. The vaccine is two doses, given as an injection into your upper arm. It’s important to make sure you have all doses of the vaccine that are offered to you, to ensure you are best protected against COVID-19.

COVID-19 cases in schools remain high. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect all children, families, and school staff.

Children aged 5 to 15

Children aged 5 and over are now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccination. Children aged between 5 and 15 are currently being offered two doses of the vaccine. The second dose is being offered 12 weeks after the first dose.

If a child has a condition which means they are at high risk from COVID-19, or they live with someone who is, they can get their second dose 8 weeks after the first dose. A third primary dose, for children who are at high risk from COVID-19, or who live with someone who is, is available three months after the second dose.

Booking the vaccination

Parents will receive information from the NHS about COVID-19 vaccinations for their children. The NHS or their GP will also contact them to offer an appointment for their child to be vaccinated.

Vaccinations can be booked online for an appointment at a vaccination centre or pharmacy. Walk-in vaccination sites are also open for children aged 5-15.

Some children may have already been offered the vaccination through their school as part of a vaccination programme that ended in April.

Spring boosters

A spring booster is being offered to people at a higher risk from COVID-19, to ensure they maintain a high level of protection against the disease. This is currently being offered to children aged 12 and over who are immunosuppressed.

 

There is more information about spring boosters on the NHS website.

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