Parents and guardians of clinically vulnerable children aged between five to 11 are now able to register their child for a Covid vaccine.
Last month, following advice from the UK’s Joint Commission on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), the island’s vaccination programme announced that young children with the following conditions should be offered two doses of the vaccine:
l severe neurodisabilities
l immunosuppression - those whose immune systems don’t work as well
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l profound, multiple or severe learning disabilities
l being on the learning disability register
l those with Down’s syndrome
l those with long-term serious conditions affecting their body
In addition, the vaccine is also being offered to children in this age group who aren’t themselves vulnerable but who live with someone who is immunosuppressed.
Minister for Health and Social Care Lawrie Hooper MHK said: ’Opening up the vaccine to this age group continues the approach of offering those at higher risk of Covid-19 increased protection against the virus. A paediatric dose of the Pfizer BioNTech Comirnaty vaccine has been developed, with both real world and trial data showing it is safe and effective for this age group.
’I encourage parents of any child who meets the eligibility criteria as above to come forward and register their child as soon as possible.’
Parents or guardians of eligible children are asked to register on behalf of their child using the online registration form (not booster booking system) and if this fails, email [email protected] with the child’s information.
After registering the team will confirm whether your child is eligible and will provide an appointment.
People are asked to only contact 111 in the last instance if unable to use either of the options mentioned above. Specific paediatric clinics are currently being planned by the team for early February, with the exact dates and times to be confirmed.
The Chester Street Hub team is also offering walk-in clinics for those aged 12 and over to receive the vaccine and encourage anyone who hasn’t yet taken the opportunity to have the vaccine or booster dose that they might be eligible for to come forward.