COVID vaccines for 5 to 11 year olds

Protect your child and loved ones from the virus

Vaccines are the best line of defence against COVID-19. Now children aged 5-11 can receive the vaccine to protect them from COVID-19, following the recommendation from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).

Should my child be vaccinated?

Here's some key information to help you make a decision:

  • COVID-19 is still active and causing some children to miss out on their education and things they enjoy.
  • The vaccine will boost your child's immunity and increase their protection against any future waves of COVID-19.
  • Your child getting the vaccine will help protect vulnerable family members from COVID-19 and friends and family most at risk from the virus.
  • The NHS wants to support families to make an informed choice, and to make things as convenient and child-friendly for parents who do decide to get it. Find out more on the NHS web page.
  • Children aged 5 to 11 with no other underlying health conditions will be offered two paediatric (child) doses of the vaccine, with at least 12 weeks between doses.
  • Those 5 to 11-year-olds who are more at risk from the virus can already get two paediatric (child) doses, eight weeks apart – your family GP or hospital specialist should be in touch to arrange this.

It's important to remember that if your child has had COVID-19, they need to wait 12 weeks before they can have the COVID-19 vaccine. Also, if your child is at high risk, or someone in your household has a weakened immune system, you should wait 4 weeks before vaccinating your child.

Where can my child get vaccinated?

You can get your child vaccinated at vaccination centres, pharmacies and GPs offering the vaccine. View these sites and make an appointment through the NHS Book or manage a coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination webpage or by calling 119.

Remember, getting vaccinated and going for our COVID-19 booster jab when invited, is one of the single most effective things we can all do to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

Need to know more?

Information to help and support parents in their decision to vaccinate their children is available on the GOV.UK web pages and the NHS web pages using the following links:

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