Children aged 5-11 can get their COVID vaccination this Easter holiday
News from the Integrated Care Partnership (ICP)
As the Easter holidays get underway, parents and guardians are being reminded that all children aged 5 - 11 are now able to get a vaccination against COVID-19.
Children aged 5-11 with no other underlying health conditions are being offered two paediatric doses of the vaccine, given at least 12 weeks apart.
And older children, aged 12-15, can still arrange to get their first or second vaccination if they have not already done so.
Parents and guardians can book online or call 119 to book.
Appointments are available at one of the following child-friendly local vaccination clinics:
- Amersham Family Centre
- Buckingham Library
- Mapledean Family Centre, High Wycombe
- Wing Family Centre
- The Guttmann Centre, Aylesbury – which is also accepting walk-in appointments from 8am-8pm daily
These sites will be operating on different days throughout the Easter break and going forwards – you will be able to see available times when you book.
There is a local helpline to book 5-11’s appointments. The number is 07826 922104 and is open 8.30am – 7pm daily.
Dr Raj Bajwa, Clinical Chair at NHS Buckinghamshire Clinical Commissioning Group, said: "The COVID-19 vaccine is already making a big difference to help protect us all. The vaccine does not remove the virus, but research and experience in countries around the world shows it can prevent the worst effects of COVID-19 and reduce the risk of infection to your child and those around them."
The NHS wants to support families to make an informed choice and there is a comprehensive information leaflet available on the Government website.
If a child has had COVID-19 they will still get extra protection from the vaccine, but they will need to wait 12 weeks before getting vaccinated.
If parents or guardians do not know the child’s NHS number they can get it:
- by checking the child’s personal health record (the red book given to the family when the child was born)
- by checking any NHS letters, prescriptions or test results received for the child
- by going to the NHS.UK website
- by asking your GP practice to help you
Those 5-11 year-olds who are more at risk from the virus can already get two paediatric doses, eight weeks apart, and their GP or hospital specialist should be in touch to arrange this.