Update on the Vaccination Programme
Vaccinations for 5-11 Year Olds
The JCVI recommends that 5-11 year olds be 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.
From early April, you’ll be able to get your child vaccinated at a site and time convenient for you – at vaccination centres, pharmacies and GPs offering jabs for this age group. When booking opens you can view these sites and make an appointment through the National Booking Service or by calling 119.
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.
Please check our website for the latest information on the vaccination programme: https://swlondonccg.nhs.uk/covid/
Vaccinations for 12-15 Year Olds
12-15 year olds are now eligible for a 1st and 2nd dose of the Covid-19 vaccination. Some 12-15 year olds are eligible for a Booster if they have a condition which means they are at higher risk from Covid-19.
Getting the vaccine will:
- Help to protect children and young people against Covid-19. While most children infected usually have mild symptoms, they can pass their infection on to others in the family and those they come into contact with.
- Protect against the long-term effects of ‘long Covid’ which has side effects such as extreme fatigue and weakness.
- Help reduce the chance of disruption to their education from Covid-19 and, as Easter and the summer approach, you should be aware that many countries insist on childhood Covid-19 vaccination for travel.
You can book a vaccination here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/
Or find a walk in site here: https://swlondonccg.nhs.uk/covid/vaccination-walk-in-clinics/
Parent of someone under 18? Tell us what you think!
This Spring, the NHS want to hear from local parents about the vaccination programme for children and young people aged under 18. Your feedback will help them to shape their approach and give you best information about the Covid-19 vaccine so that you can make an informed decision.
Fill in the survey for a chance to be entered into a £100 prize draw:
Take the survey by clicking here
Vaccinations for Clinically Extremely Vulnerable 5-11 Year Olds
5 to 11-year-olds who are either in a clinical risk group or are a household contact of someone of any age who is immunosuppressed should be offered two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, with a minimum interval of eight weeks.
Parents and guardians will be notified if their child should get the vaccine and told how they can book an appointment. Vaccinations have started in South West London for this group.
If you have a question about the vaccination, you can have a chat with a local clinician.
Find out more: Speak with someone about vaccination - South West London CCG (swlondonccg.nhs.uk)
Updated Toolkit
You can access the toolkit for 12-15 year olds and 5-11 year olds here: https://www.swlondon.nhs.uk/headteachers-toolkit-2021-2022/.
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