NHS in Kirklees begins giving Covid-19 jabs to children aged five to 11

This follows the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation’s (JCVI) recommendation that all five-11 year-olds be offered the Covid vaccination to boost immunity and increase their protection against any future waves of Covid.

Appointments are available at selected vaccination centres and community pharmacies across Kirklees and can be booked online at www.nhs.uk/covidvaccine or by calling 119, free of charge.

Some GP vaccination services are also offering appointments for their patients in this age group and will be contacting parents to invite them to make an appointment for their child.

Steve Brennan, senior responsible officer for the NHS vaccination programme in Kirklees, said: “We know that Covid cases are still high in some parts of the region and the vaccination has already made a big difference to help protect us all.

"We’ve already been offering vaccinations to five-11 year olds who are greatest risk from Covid-19 and this is now being expanded to all children to help minimise the risk of them becoming seriously unwell with Covid-19 or missing out on school and other activities.

“Getting the Covid-19 vaccine is much like any other vaccination that children can have to help protect them from illnesses like measles, polio, meningitis, mumps and flu.

"All our vaccination centres offering the jab to this age group have gone through additional checks and have staff who are experienced in vaccinating children.

"They will offer a child-friendly environment for families with young children and longer appointment times to help put children at ease.

“We appreciate that families may have questions about getting the vaccine and our staff at the vaccination centres will be happy to answer your questions and provide you with any information you need to make your decision.”

Children under 12 will be offered two smaller doses of the Pfizer vaccine, with at least 12 weeks between doses.

Even if a child has had Covid already, the vaccine will still give them extra protection but they will need to wait 12 weeks before getting vaccinated.

Dr Yvette Oade, NHS clinical lead for the Covid regional vaccination programme, said two doses of the vaccine should give children long-lasting protection against serious complications of infection.

“We want our children to go to school, do the things they love and spend time with their family and friends, but Covid-19 is still active in our communities and is causing some children to miss out on their education and things they enjoy,” Dr Oade said.

“The Covid vaccine is making a big difference to help protect us all – research and experience tells us it can prevent the worst effects of the virus and reduce the risk of infection to children.”

The NHS is still offering first and second doses to other age groups, as well as first boosters for anyone who has not yet had theirs.