We all want to get back to normal – we want our children to go to school, do the things they love and catch up on lost time spent time with family and friends. But COVID-19 is still active and causing some children to miss out on their education and things they enjoy.
The Joint Committee on Vaccine and Immunisation (JCVI) recommends that 5-11 year olds are offered the vaccine, which has been approved by the UK’s medicines regulator, to boost immunity and increase their protection against any future waves of COVID-19. The NHS wants to support families to make an informed choice, and to make things convenient and child friendly for those who do decide to take up the offer of COVID-19 vaccination for their child.
The COVID-19 vaccine is already making a big difference in helping to protect us all. The vaccine does not remove the virus, but research and experience in countries around the world shows it can prevent the worst effects of COVID-19 and reduce the risk of infection for your child and those around them.
Parents can make an appointment for their child’s vaccine through the National Booking Service: nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119 free of charge.
Currently there are three vaccination clinics offering the COVID-19 vaccine to this age group in Haringey:
- Lordship Lane Health Centre, 239 Lordship Lane, N17 6AA
- Bounds Green Group Practice, Gordon Road, N11 2PF
- Hornsey Central Neigbourhood Health Centre, 151 Park Road, London N8 8JD
Walk-in clinics are also available at these sites where 5-11-year-olds as well as older siblings, or other family members, can be vaccinated together at the same time. Simply check the walk-in finder website: www.nhs.uk/grab-a-jab before attending to check clinic timings.
Children aged 5-11 with no other underlying health conditions will be offered two paediatric (child) doses of the vaccine, with at least 12 weeks between doses. A paediatric dose is smaller than doses given to those aged 12 and over.
If a child has had COVID-19 they will still get extra protection from the vaccine, but they will need to wait 12 weeks before getting vaccinated.
Those 5-11 year-olds who are more at risk from the virus can already get two paediatric (child) doses, eight weeks apart, and their GP or hospital specialist should be in touch to arrange this.
A guide to Covid-19 vaccination for parents of children aged 5-11 has been produced. This can be accessed here