Coronavirus: News from our partners – Clinically at risk 5 to 11 year olds invited for COVID-19 vaccine

News from our partners NHS COVID-19 Vaccination Service

The NHS is now recommending that children aged 5 to 11 who are considered at higher risk of serious complications of COVID-19 – and those who are household contacts of an immunosuppressed person – can now receive a COVID-19 vaccination.

In Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, there are an estimated 3,000 eligible children in this group, which includes those with diabetes, immunosuppression, learning disabilities, and other conditions as outlined by the UK Health Security Agency in the Green Book.

Parents and guardians should wait for the NHS to contact them when it is their child’s turn to get the vaccine, with local NHS teams already contacting those who are eligible via letter and text. Vaccinations for 5- to 11-year-olds are being delivered initially by participating GP practices. Currently, this group will not be able to book through the national booking system or are unable to turn up at a walk-in vaccination centre.

Immunosuppressed 5-11 year olds now eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine

Dr John Pepper, GP and Chair of Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Clinical Commissioning Group, said:-

“The COVID-19 vaccination programme has made a huge impact on the way we are able to live our lives compared to this time in 2021.

“This latest announcement will ensure that the most vulnerable 5- to 11-year-olds are able to get protected against the virus.

“Thousands of young people are still getting protected every day, with millions vaccinated so far, and we are asking parents not to delay coming forward. I urge any parent or guardian of children in this eligible group to book an appointment as soon as they receive a letter or text so the NHS can protect young people against the virus.”

All eligible 5- to 11-year-olds will be offered two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine at least eight weeks apart. Each vaccine is a third of the amount used for older children and adult vaccinations. However, a child cannot receive any vaccination (first or second dose) until twelve weeks after a positive test for COVID-19.

When invited, parents and guardians are asked to attend with their children and to read the patient information in advance of arriving for their appointment. Please refer to the leaflets below.

•  A guide for parents of children aged 5 to 11 years of age at high risk
•  What to expect after your child’s Covid 19 vaccination

The latest data shows COVID-19 cases are increasing among children who are 2 years old to school Year 6 – and have increased from school Year 7 to Year 11.

Last month the JCVI also issued updated guidance recommending all 16- and 17-year-olds get a Pfizer booster from three months (91 days) after their second dose.

People aged 16 and 17 can now go to the NHS website and book their booster appointment two months (61 days) after their second dose. They will be offered appointment dates from three months (91 days) after their second COVID-19 vaccine.

In line with JCVI guidance it should be noted that these young people should also wait 12 weeks (84 days) before having the vaccine if they have a positive COVID-19 test (or 4 weeks / 28 days if in a high-risk group).

The NHS is also reminding parents and guardians that children can continue to get vaccine protection from flu, with millions of reminder texts, letters and emails going out.

More children than ever are eligible for a free flu vaccine this winter, including all 2 and 3-year-olds and all pupils from reception age to school leavers, to drive up protection from the virus. Children’s flu vaccinations are given via a quick and painless nasal spray in most cases, rather than by injection.

Young people aged 4 to 16 will have been offered the flu vaccination through their school, but parents can phone 119 to find out how to book if their child has missed it.

For more information, or to check the walk-in or pop-up clinic times, visit the website: www.stwics.org.uk