Covid-19 vaccination registration has now opened for children and young people in at-risk groups.

Those with underlying health conditions that make them more susceptible to illness from coronavirus and those who are household contacts of an immunosuppressed individual are being offered two doses of the vaccine.

The government said that this will provide increased protection against Covid-19 as advice recognises that people who are immunosuppressed are at higher risk of serious disease if they contract the virus.

It is asking parents or guardians of those aged 12 to 15 with severe neuro-disabilities (including cerebral palsy, severe epilepsy, severe autism/severe ADHD), Down’s syndrome, those with profound and multiple learning disabilities, severe learning disabilities and those who are on the learning disability register to sign up their child for a vaccination by calling 111.

Separately, vaccination invitation letters will be sent by GPs to those in the following additional at-risk groups, inviting them to register for a vaccine:

- Children aged 12 to 15 with specific underlying health conditions that put them at risk of serious illness from Covid-19, in particular those who have underlying conditions resulting in immunosuppression;

- Young individuals aged 12 to 17 who share a household with an immunosuppressed person (either adults or children)

After registering, the vaccination team will then be in touch with dates and times for the two appointments, and individuals will need to take this letter with them.

Those under the age of 16 must bring a parent or guardian to the appointment to give consent, and ensure that the consent form and patient information leaflet are understood before attending the hub.

The government is advising young individuals in the above categories not to register in the latest rollout to the wider 16 to 17 cohort, in order to avoid a delay in their vaccinations.