Previously, Covid-19 vaccines were only available to younger children at greater risk from the virus, or who live with someone who is immunosuppressed. However, following new guidance from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), 5 to 11 year olds with no underlying health conditions are being offered 2 doses of the Pfizer vaccine from today (Monday 4 April, 2022).
Each vaccine is a third of the dose given to older children and adults, and will be administered 12 weeks apart. Appointments can be booked online via the National Booking System or by calling 111.
Sally Roberts, Chief Nursing Officer for NHS Black Country and West Birmingham Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “For decades, vaccinations have protected our children and young people from potentially serious diseases, including measles, flu, meningitis and mumps.
"By the time they leave school, a child will typically have been offered vaccinations against 18 different diseases or infections and the Covid-19 vaccine is one more vaccine that children will be able to have to protect them from illness.
“Like all children’s vaccines, this approval was given following a robust review of data showing that it is safe and effective to use for children in this age group."
John Denley, Wolverhampton's Director of Public Health, said: "Covid-19 infection rates are running high, particularly among children and young people. We know that the vaccine is the best protection we have against this virus and I would encourage all parents and guardians who have children eligible for a vaccine to come forward as soon as possible."
Youngsters who have had Covid-19 must wait 12 weeks until they can be vaccinated. Children do not need to be registered with a GP or have an NHS number to be vaccinated, but must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian as parental consent is required.
To find out more about Covid-19 vaccinations for 5 to 11 year olds, visit COVID-19 vaccine and children & young people.
There were 626.3 new cases of Covid-19 per 100,000 people in Wolverhampton over the last 7 days. That means 1,647 people tested positive for the virus in that same period – though the true number of cases will likely be higher.
