The NHS in the North West is reminding parents of the importance of the COVID-19 vaccine for clinically extremely vulnerable 5 to 11 year olds.

The region’s vaccine lead said that, at a time of rising Covid infections in the community, the vaccine offered vital protection to young people with serious health conditions that could put them at extra risk from the virus.

The NHS has offered two paediatric doses of the vaccine – a third of the amount used for adult vaccinations – to the most vulnerable children aged 5 to 11 since January, including those with diabetes, immunosuppression, learning disabilities and other conditions. Children living with someone in a clinical risk group can also be vaccinated.

Dr Linda Charles-Ozuzu, Regional Director of Commissioning for NHS England and NHS Improvement and Senior Responsible Officer for the Vaccination Programme in the North West, said: “We know that children with serious health conditions, or those with a weakened immune system, are more at risk from COVID-19 than healthy children of the same age. With Covid-19 cases rising within the community again, it’s more important than ever for at-risk children to be vaccinated and protected.

“The vaccine is safe and effective for children aged 5 to 11 and NHS staff and volunteers are working hard to make the vaccination as easy and comfortable as possible.

“If you’re a parent or guardian of a 5 to 11 year old who is eligible for a first or second dose of the vaccine, please come forward and book an appointment to make sure your family and loved ones are protected.”

In line with national guidance, patient information is sent out to parents and guardians with information on the COVID-19 vaccination.

Parents and guardians are asked to attend with their children and are asked to read the patient information in advance of arriving for their appointment.

Children in this group are eligible for a second dose 8 weeks after their first dose and can’t receive any vaccination until four weeks after a positive test for coronavirus.

Rebecca, from Manchester, who took her 10 year old son Mike to a special clinic for at-risk 5 to 11 year olds, said: “We were so happy to be able to go to a clinic where there were other families like ours and staff who understood my little boy.

“He was so excited to be protected from COVID-19 and have his vaccination but because of his special educational needs, had really high anxiety about it. The lady on the door was so helpful and flexible and that followed with everyone else we saw. Mike was able to jump in the puddles outside while he waited!

“Thank you so much, I’m so proud of him and he’s delighted to be vaccinated.”

More than 14.6 million vaccinations, including 3.8 million booster jabs have been delivered by the NHS North West to date. Spring booster doses now being offered to people aged 75+, older care home residents and people aged 12+ who are immunosuppressed and there are plans to roll out vaccination to all 5 to 11 year olds from early April.

To book an appointment online, please visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/ or to find a walk-in site visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/find-a-walk-in-coronavirus-covid-19-vaccination-site/.