Covid-19 vaccinations for at risk 5 - 11 year olds
9 February 2022
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has advised that 5 - 11 year olds who are either in a clinical risk group or are a household contact of someone of any age who has a weakened immune system (immunosuppressed) should be offered 2 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, with a minimum of 8 weeks between doses.
The NHS will be in touch with parents in the coming weeks if their child is eligible, so please wait to hear and do not contact your GP practice. Parents will need to give consent for their child to be vaccinated.
GPs and hospital specialists have been asked to identify 5 - 11 year olds who are eligible for COVID-19 vaccination. For children eligible as a household contact, the person who is immunosuppressed will be written to directly. Parents and guardians will be notified if their child should be offered the vaccine and told how they can book an appointment.
Where will children be given their vaccine?
Vaccination services have been asked to make preparations to vaccinate this group of younger children and consider necessary reasonable adjustments to meet their needs on an individual basis, to ensure a positive experience. It is expected that most children will be vaccinated at a site run by local GPs, a hospital or a specialist children’s centre. In cases where this isn’t possible, local arrangements will be in place with community pharmacies, vaccination centres, hospital hubs, housebound teams and in some cases at special schools. Parents or guardians will also be able to take their child to a walk-in appointment, however it’s important to be aware that not every site will be able to offer vaccination for this group.
Please use our online walk-in site finder to make sure you choose the right site. If this is your preferred option, remember to take the letter from your child’s GP or hospital confirming their eligibility for the vaccine along to the appointment. You cannot currently book your child’s vaccination appointment by calling 119 or on the NHS website.
What are the eligibility criteria for the clinical risk group for 5 - 11 year olds?
Children considered at higher risk of severe COVID-19 include those who have:
- chronic respiratory disease
- chronic heart conditions
- chronic conditions of the kidney, liver or digestive system
- chronic neurological disease
- severe, profound or multiple learning disabilities, Down’s syndrome or are on the learning disability register
- endocrine disorders
- a weakened immune system due to a treatment (such as steroid medicine, biological therapy, chemotherapy or radiotherapy)
- asplenia or dysfunction of the spleen
- serious genetic irregularities that affect a number of systems, including mitochondrial disease and chromosomal abnormalities
Children who are about to receive planned immunosuppressive therapy should be considered for vaccination before they begin their therapy.
What are the eligibility criteria for 5 - 11 year olds classed as a household contact of someone who is immunosuppressed?
Children aged 5 - 11 years who share living accommodation with individuals of any age who are immunosuppressed will be entitled to COVID-19 vaccination.
Are the COVID-19 vaccines for 5 - 11 year olds the same as those used for adults?
The preferred option for children in this group is the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine 10 micrograms dose concentrate. However, it is recognised that in some situations, where it is in the best interests of the patient, clinicians may decide to vaccinate children under the age of 12 with a smaller volume of the adult version of the vaccine (known as a fractionated dose).
What adjustments are being made to support children with additional needs attending vaccination appointments?
Our standards require sites to allocate more time for vaccinating children. If a child will require any reasonable adjustments at their vaccination appointment, we encourage you to make any requirements needed known when you are booking the appointment on behalf of your child. It is important services are aware of any appropriate arrangements needed in advance.
What safeguarding measures are the NHS putting in place?
Additional safeguarding standards will be in place for staff involved in vaccinating this age group. All the clinical staff working in the centre are required to have an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. In addition, all staff (excluding stewards) must have additional bespoke training.
Will vaccination staff be offered special training?
A number of additional resources have been prepared to assist providers in preparing the workforce and the environment for young children. All staff involved in vaccinating 5 - 11 year olds will have appropriate training specific to communicating with and vaccinating this age group. For staff vaccinating children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), all clinical staff are required to have the skill and competencies to care for this group of patients.
Will vaccination appointments be available at flexible times to fit around families’ work and school commitments?
Vaccination sites should ensure a range of times are available which are convenient to parents and children.
Can vaccination be provided with a nasal spray like with flu?
No, the COVID-19 vaccine is currently only available as an injection.
What happens if my local GP has opted out of giving vaccines to this age group?
GPs who aren’t providing vaccinations to this age group have been asked to identify all eligible patients on their lists and ensure they receive an invitation for vaccination at another local site.
If you'd like more information about vaccinations for children with SEND visit Contact's information on vaccines.