Covid-19 vaccinations now available to book for all children aged 5-11
Covid-19 vaccinations can now be booked for children aged five to 11 years old.
Cambridgeshire’s large-scale vaccination centres, such as The Grafton centre in Cambridge, and other vaccination sites are offering the jabs, followed by a second vaccination 12 weeks later.
Dr David Vickers, medical director, Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust, said: “As a paediatrician, I welcome the expansion of the vaccination programme to younger children.
“To date, five to 11-year-olds in at risk categories have been able to access a vaccination and can continue to do so. From April 4, all five to 11-year-olds can do the same. We know vaccines give significant protection against severe illness from Covid, so it is important that our youngest and most at-risk get protected.
“As the fastest and most successful vaccination programme in NHS history continues, parents and guardians of children aged five to 11 can book their child’s first appointment via the National Booking Service at www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccine, with a second dose available 12 weeks later.
“Vaccinations for five to 11-year-olds not in at risk groups are not available on a walk-in basis.”
Parents or guardians must accompany their children for the jabs.
An animation has been produced by the NHS trust that explains what children can expect at their appointment.
The NHS has made the vaccine available to this age group following advice from JVCI (the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation), which recommended that children would benefit from a non-urgent offer of the vaccine. Almost five million children are now eligible nationally.
Julian the Jabbing Lion - also known as Andrew Lamb, head of clinical operations for the NHS trust - will be visiting some of Cambridgeshire’s large-scale vaccination sites.
He said: “Book your appointment, come along for your jab and have fun while you’re here.
“You can join in with I-Spy and spot the difference games, and colour in a unique image created by world renowned illustrator Sir Quentin Blake featuring himself and local author Dr Peter Rowan, one of our fantastic vaccinators. You’ll also receive a certificate and a sticker, and you can take a photo using our selfie-frames to show your mates how brave you’ve been. I’ll be visiting lots of our centres on different days so come and say hi.”
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