The National Health Service says about 500,000 eligible children in England are set to receive their first dose of a COVID vaccine, in line with advice set forth by the Joint Committee on Immunization and Immunization.
The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) on Sunday expanded its COVID-19 vaccination program to cover vulnerable children aged five to 11. Eligible children include diabetes, immunosuppression, learning disabilities and other serious conditions that put them at higher risk from COVID-19. NHS England said around 500,000 eligible children in England are set to receive their first dose of a COVID vaccine in line with advice set forth by the Joint Committee on Immunization and Immunization (JCVI).
Dr. Nikki Kanani, an Indian-origin GP and deputy lead of the NHS, said: “We know that vaccines – including the Omicron variant – provide significant protection against serious illness from COVID, so it is important that our youngest and most at risk Stay safe people.” vaccination programme.
“The NHS is now vaccinating most at-risk children 5-11 years old, ensuring they receive the critical dose of protection. Millions of young people are now being protected every day and we are going to step up to parents to follow suit. Telling you not to delay – as soon as the NHS contacts you, please come forward so the NHS can protect your youngest children against the virus.” said.
The NHS had previously opened up vaccines to those aged 12 and over and said it had given more than 3.5 million vaccinations to people aged 12-17, including over 2.4 million in the first dose.
UK Vaccines Minister Maggie Throop said: “I want parents and guardians to be reassured that no new vaccine for children is approved until the expected standards of safety, quality and effectiveness are met .
“I encourage as many people as possible to make sure they get their child the jab when contacted – the pediatric vaccine will provide the best possible protection for your child.” In line with procedures, patient information is sent to parents and guardians along with information on COVID-19 vaccination. Parents and guardians are asked to be present with their children and are asked to read the patient information before arriving for their appointment.
The youngest children will receive a second dose eight weeks after their first dose and may not receive any vaccinations until four weeks after testing positive for the coronavirus.
Last month, the JCVI issued updated guidance recommending all 16- and 17-year-olds to receive the Pfizer/BioNTech booster no later than three months (91 days) after their second dose. After the expansion of the third booster vaccine to all 16 and 17 year olds, more than half of eligible youth in this age group have already received their top-up protection.
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