PARENTS can now get their kids as young as five vaccinated against Covid.
From today, jab appointments are open to kids aged between five and 11 years old in England, after the booking system opened on Saturday.
Almost five million children are now eligible for the two-dose Covid vaccine.
The NHS has already been vaccinating vulnerable five to 11 year olds with health conditions.
Children will be offered two shots of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, at least 12 weeks apart, at a third of the dose given to adults.
NHS England said hundreds of sites will offer jabs, with more coming on stream throughout the week.
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Most new appointments will be at local vaccination centres or community pharmacies outside of school hours, and there will be walk-in clinics available, with timings on the NHS grab a jab website.
NHS England said more appointments will be added throughout the week so anyone unable to get a convenient slot should keep trying.
Families will be given a vaccination record card with the name of the vaccine, batch number and the date the vaccine was given.
Parents and guardians are being encouraged to read the patient and consent information in advance of booking their child’s appointment and will be asked to provide consent for their child’s vaccination on the day.
Calum Semple, professor of child health and outbreak medicine at the University of Liverpool, told Sky News: “This is now a vaccine-preventable disease and the vaccine is safer than the disease.
“It’s a very unpleasant illness for children. And if they have a weakened immune system or if they live in a family where a member has a weakened immune system, the consequences can be devastating.
“So yes I am pleased.”
Prof Semple, who advises the Government as part of Sage, said the vaccine will reduce days lost from education.
Dr Nikki Kanani, GP and deputy lead for the NHS Covid-19 Vaccination Programme, said: “Parents can book their little ones in for a vaccine, ensuring they get their first dose of protection and helping to protect against potential future waves of Covid-19.
“Vaccines remain the best defence we have against the virus.
“I’ll be booking my 10-year-old daughter in for hers at the earliest opportunity, and would encourage all parents to read the NHS information available and consider doing the same.”
Health and Social Care Secretary, Sajid Javid, said: “Parents, if they want, can take up the offer for their children to increase protection against Covid as we learn to live with this virus.
“Children without underlying health conditions are at low risk of serious illness from Covid.
“The priority remains for the NHS to offer vaccines and spring boosters to adults and vulnerable young people, as well as to catch up with other childhood immunisation programmes.”
Spring boosters are also being given out as part of the current vaccination programme.
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Those aged over 75 years old, and over 12s with a health condition, are currently being invited.
Eligible people are sent an invite once it has been six months since their first booster.
To book a coronavirus vaccine, click here.
